Advancing Urban Climate Resilience for DRR: Insights from the UNDRR 6th Arab Regional Platform in Kuwait

The 6th Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) took place in Kuwait City from 9 to 12 February 2025 and brought together policymakers, local government representatives, financial experts, and urban resilience advocates to advance discussions on resilient infrastructure and DRR financing in the Arab region. Under the theme “Building Resilient Arab Communities: From Understanding to Action,” the event aligned efforts and mobilized resources for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

City Advisor Shaden El Galaly, representing the GCoM-Gap Fund Partnership in the Middle East and North Africa Region, presented during the Resilient Infrastructure and DRR Financing Forum. In the session “Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships for Building Resilient Infrastructure,” she engaged with representatives from international organizations, national governments, and urban development stakeholders to explore key issues in disaster resilience, financing, and governance.

During the session, a representative from Aqaba Municipality, Jordan, asked whether the Gap Fund could work directly with cities and local governments or if it had to go through national authorities, underscoring the belief that direct support could significantly benefit local entities, as the fund is primarily focused on technical assistance rather than requiring allocation through national budgets.

The conference also provided an opportunity to connect with key stakeholders across the Arab region, including:

• The Ministry of Environment of Iraq: A meeting with Minister Halo Al-Askari and his technical team revealed a strong interest in urban climate resilience, particularly in energy efficiency initiatives. Both parties agreed to further collaborate through the GCoM-Gap Fund partnership to refine project ideas for potential early-stage technical assistance from the Gap Fund.
• Iraqi Stakeholders (e.g., UN-Habitat Iraq): Discussions focused on opportunities for climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure projects, for potential project idea development with Iraqi cities for early-stage technical assistance from the Gap Fund.
• Tunisia’s Ministry of Environment: Engaging with Mr. Hedi Shili, Assistant Director, Ministry of Environment and Quality of Life Tunisia, the discussions revisited project ideas developed during earlier engagements with Tunisian cities, with plans for further advancement for EOIs for the Gap Fund.
• Mayors from the Arab region: Meetings with mayors, including representatives from Palestine, such as Husam Shakhshir, the Mayor of Nablus, showcased proactive leadership in urban climate resilience, emphasizing how municipalities could benefit from early-stage technical assistance from the Gap Fund to accelerate project development and financing.

The platform confirmed the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration and financial innovation amid escalating climate and disaster risks. The GCoM-Gap Fund partnership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cities in developing bankable projects that drive sustainable urban growth and climate adaptation, working closely with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and regional governments to facilitate access to climate finance.