COP31: Why future-proofing cities and infrastructure is central to climate conversations

For the first time, the COP31 Presidency has integrated the Resilient Cities and Built Environment Day into the Leaders Summit, giving urban climate action greater political visibility.

This integration of Resilient Cities and Built Environment Day into the COP31 Leaders Summit is particularly significant.

It signals growing recognition that cities, buildings and critical infrastructure are not simply exposed to the consequences of climate change; they are also central to delivering climate adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

This engagement spans the evolution of the Making Cities Resilient initiative into Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030), showcasing a commitment to advancing disaster resilience through research, policy engagement, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.

From smart cities to resilient cities: A critical shift in urban thinking Professor Amaratunga’s intervention, which she led for UNDRR, From Smart to Resilient: Future-Proofing Our Cities, provides a compelling conceptual foundation for COP31 discussions.