This session, attended by Dr.Zubair Ali, Mayor of Peshawar Metropolitan City, and senior urban managers from the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and Jammu & Kashmir, Eric Rosand, Executive Director of the Strong Cities Network from the United States, was held on Friday, January 24, hosted by Sri Lanka.
The session aimed to present effective and practical solutions for South Asian cities to enhance resilience, improve coordination in crisis response, and develop localized strategies for managing global crises. The discussion focused on the following key themes:
1. Challenges of Global Crises at the Local Level:
• Examining the impact of global crises on infrastructure, urban populations, and public services such as transportation, healthcare, and water supply.
2. The Role of Cities in Crisis Management:
• Urban strategies for preventing global crises through sustainable urban planning and strengthening resilient infrastructure.
• Experiences of South Asian cities in adopting efficient and innovative local policies to combat crises.
• Utilizing local data for predicting and mitigating potential crisis impacts.
3. Local Governance and Cross-Sector Collaboration:
• The importance of collaboration between local governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to establish a coordinated crisis management approach.
• Strengthening institutional capacities of cities for crisis management and faster emergency response.
4. Urban Prevention and Resilience Strategies:
• Introduction of successful policies and programs for urban resilience against crises, such as smart cities and sustainable development initiatives.
• Leveraging modern and digital technologies to enhance cities’ preparedness for global crises.
5. Social and Economic Impacts:
• Analyzing the effects of global crises on citizens’ livelihoods, employment, and access to essential services.
• The role of social policies in supporting vulnerable groups during crises.
6. Successful Case Studies from South Asian Cities:
• Presenting practical examples and successful experiences of cities in the region in responding to crises.
• Evaluating lessons learned from past experiences and applying them to improve future responses.
7. Recommendations and Proposed Actions:
• Offering practical solutions for South Asian cities to improve readiness and adaptability in the face of future crises.
• Establishing regional cooperation networks to share knowledge and experiences.
This session served as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration and sharing best practices to ensure better preparedness and resilience in South Asian cities.
