SCI Global Conversations is a program series designed to connect with leading global experts.
Sister Cities International will be holding the second part of its Global Conversation on City Resiliency and will have the key elements of International Collaborations and Inclusive Engagement that are available for cities to achieve resiliency.
Climate change places cities at risk and poses serious threats on cities’ development and society. All cities are vulnerable to the effect of climate change. From coastal cities to highly urbanized mega-cities, the threat remains to be the same. Adapting to these climate-related risks implies a substantial amount of planning processes and collaborations, not only on the national level but on the international level as well. The sharing of experiences and best practices are crucial in developing local capacities in the local government and for citizens to increase awareness, as well as preparedness, on the following issues:
Science-based and data-driven mechanisms to identify vulnerabilities and potential impacts
Sudden effects of climate related hazard can lead to the displacement of largely populated groups. It further presents the threat to livelihoods and shelters which often require long-term reconstruction efforts.
This Global Conversation focuses on the importance of accelerated climate change action, emphasizing the need for embracing inclusive engagements which will bring all the actors of society together. This includes national governments, the private sectors, academia, civil society, city networks, and local governments. Partnerships must be made to work collaboratively in building resiliency and preparedness.
The goal is for Sister Cities International to take part in a variety of programmes which support its members in promoting citizen diplomacy alongside international exchanges. This event was organized in collaboration with ADEC Innovations and the Global CEO alliance to build capacity on local governments and increase inclusive engagements.
Executive Director of the Charleston Preservation Society; Charleston Sister Cities International
Mountain Partnership Secretariat in Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
PhD Sustainability and Climate Action Manager for the City of Santa Cruz, California.
Chair of Birmingham, Alabama/Winneba & Apassao, Ghana Breast Cancer Project
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Sister Cities International, in cooperation with ADEC Innovations, is proud to recognize the specific contributions of women across the sister cities network through this Global Conversation.
Women stand at the front lines of all crises, including the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers, as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. This crisis has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry. Today there is more acceptance than ever before that, especially at the local level, women bring different experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and make irreplaceable contributions to decisions, policies, and laws that work better for all.
Dr. Michael McQuary – San Diego Sister Cities Association
Dr. Jane Cahaly – Youth Leadership Summit and Sister Schools Initiative
San Diego International Sister Cities Association – Dynamic Program Ideas
