Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 24 - The City Resilience Framework & the next decade of resilience

This episode of the Urban Exchange podcast focuses on the evolution of urban resilience and the critical role of the City Resilience Framework. Hosts Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson welcome Jo Da Silva, Global Director of Sustainable Development at Arup, who shares insights from her decade-long journey in developing this influential framework.

The conversation begins by exploring the resilience challenges cities faced in 2024, from heatwaves and wildfires to political upheaval. Sorkin highlights how the sub-national community rallied together, citing the Resilient Cities Network’s work on the intersection of climate and health. The discussion then delves into the Urban 20 (U20) initiative, which aims to amplify city voices in the G20 process, particularly around the need for increased investment in climate resilience, social safety nets, and urban infrastructure.

Da Silva provides a compelling overview of the City Resilience Framework, tracing its origins back to 2007 and research conducted in Asian cities. She explains how the framework evolved to identify the 52 (now 22) key elements that contribute to a city’s ability to cope, adapt, and transform in the face of disruption. The framework’s four pillars – health and wellbeing, institutions, infrastructure, and governance – are explored in depth, showcasing its practical application for cities.

The interview also examines the challenges of measuring and comparing city resilience, as well as the critical role of finance in driving resilience initiatives. Da Silva emphasises the need to move beyond pledges and into tangible delivery, with the City Resilience Framework serving as a tool to help cities attract investment and implement transformative projects.

Find out more about the City Resilience Framework here.