Global Urban Resilience Monthly Programme – What is Resilience? Reconfiguring for the 2020’s
Resilience, in the context of global urban resilience and major city management, has been defined as the capacity of urban systems, communities and individuals to withstand, adapt to and recover from various shocks and stresses. These can include natural disasters, economic disruptions, social upheavals and other unforeseen challenges. Whilst it can be broadly seen in terms of ‘bouncebackability’, any true understanding of resilience must also incorporate an organism’s ability to learn, both from its own experiences and from others in similar situations. It is the ability to learn, and then to incorporate those lessons learned into all aspects fop planning, delivery and management, which underpins a truly resilient system and differentiates it from mere survival.
Effective resilience requires a holistic approach that integrates disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, social inclusion and proactive planning to create cities that are not only safe and secure but also vibrant and dynamic. By fostering a culture of resilience, cities can enhance their capacity to protect their citizens, support economic activities and maintain social harmony in the face of adversity as part of a continually evolving process that allows them to meet the ever-changing demands of urban environments.
