Building Resilient Communities in Cities: Breaking Down Global Frameworks for Localized Resilience Action

The establishment of global developmental frameworks including the New Urban Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction all aim to reduce risk, improve development pathways and reduce the impact of natural hazards on people and places. These frameworks focus on holistic, synergistic solutions that integrate economic, social and environmental outcomes. Nevertheless, the ambitious agreed goals will require the fundamental transformation of communities and cities and the relevance of these frameworks to the local level – and the translation of national policies based on them into effective local action – are major challenges in ensuring effective impact. Responding to this, MERCY Malaysia had developed a strategic initiative known as Building Resilient Communities (BRC). BRC is an initiative that combines local government units, local communities, the education sector, health infrastructure and service providers, and the private sector as its primary stakeholder. Its objective is to achieve an understanding for the mainstream humanitarian actors, specialist actors and the public in becoming a prepared, responsive and resilient through the involvement of the effectiveness of grass – roots projects and programs and at the same time, suggest policies, guidelines and training inputs for each community to secure its role building resiliency. This event will act as a discussion, advocacy and engagement platform to advance the localization agenda in implementing the New Urban Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.