Report 20th June

Ms. Wahlström clearly explained that the vulnerability of cities is increasing and requirements are changing rapidly, as the world's rapidly expanding population are tending to move to cities. To manage the increased needs and changing vulnerabilities of our urban spaces and populations, we need to broaden partnerships inclusively, within cities bringing together local governments, communities and the private sector (business). Cities are even more important than nation states when considering disasters. Organic growth of cities and urban societies comes naturally to human beings, however they are growing extremely fast. We have to consider the challenges that come with increasing urban populations and rapid economic growth... Local government often has the solution, although they lack political voice at the decision making table.

Ms. Mary Jane Ortega, Mayor spoke about the need to decentralize power in our cities. This requires good governance, financial support and trust to enable city-to-city cooperation. When we have resilient people we will have resilient cities. We need to upscale alliances within our cities, and our city-to-city cooperation.

Dr. Guiteau Jean-Pierre, Director General of the Haiti Red Cross teaches public health and has seen how communities contribute to resilience building. People have been the main strength of Haiti's recovery. Despite many living on the streets, Haitians have been combining their different capacities to make parks into safe public spaces again.

Hon. Saber. H. Chowdhury, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh works for peace, and non-proliferation of arms. He stressed the need to recognize disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation as an integrated topic. People are the focal point in this. Disaster Risk Reduction is the first action you take on the ground when it comes to climate change adaptation. Moving from sustainability to DRR has been quite easy as the two are intrinsically connected. Create early warning systems, engage with community, build shelters, enhance community preparedness, and raise awareness. But unless local governments are brought into the process there will be little to no reform.

Graciela Ortuzar Novoa, Mayor of Lampa municipality, Chile said "I'm engaged and in love with this topic." In Feb 2010 75% of health system network was destroyed in our earthquake, many people were missing and dead. My main point is to try to socialize about the strategy and consider the different types of actors, political social etc. to discuss this topic and its importance. After working with community leaders, I've seen that social networks are very important. We need to work with solidarity networks like indigenous people, farmers, communities and schools to generate the required social capital, to generate a network of confidants. It must also involve universities and civil society.

Peter Gruetter, Representative of the Private Sector and Distinguished Fellow reminded us that when Jesus Christ and Mohammed taught in Middle East, we were 300 million people. 200 years ago the population reached 1 billion. Now we are 7 billion. We are in the Collaboration Age. Let the private sector and businesses be your partner in resilience building. Cities are highly complex systems and so highly vulnerable. We won't create resilience unless we exchange knowledge and technical expertise. Using the example of a recent alliance between CISCO and Microsoft, Peter stated the need to consider the power of networks and their growing importance.

Sir John Beddington is chief scientific Advisor, to the British Government. Vulnerability is increasing dramatically and it is not going away. Current trends tell us that despite our best intentions . . . things are going to happen anyway. The effect of climate change is already here. Green house gases already present will determine where will be in 25 years, while the world populations will be 8 billion in 13 years time.

How can science help?