RIA at Africa Climate Summit 2: Advancing Urban Resilience Through Partnerships, Knowledge and Action
At the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held in Addis Ababa from 8–10 September 2025, GIZ’s Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA) played a central role in bringing urban resilience to the forefront of Africa’s climate agenda. Together with partners – including the African Union Commission (AUC), UNDP, UNDRR, Slum Dwellers International (SDI), the City Climate Finance Gap Fund, and the Institute for Environment and Human Security of the United Nations University (UNU-EHS) – RIA contributed to key sessions that showcased practical pathways to risk-informed urban development.
Accelerating Climate Resilience for Urban Development
On 8 September, RIA joined the AUC and partners for the session “Accelerating Climate Resilience for Urban Development: Key Reflections from the AU Urban Resilience Knowledge Series Report.” The event presented insights from the newly launched Urban Resilience Knowledge Series Report, which takes stock of resilience progress across African cities.
Cities across the continent face mounting challenges from climate risks and rapid urbanization. The discussion underscored the urgency of strengthening governance, integrating climate risk into policy and planning, and mobilizing finance for resilient urban growth. As Ronald Meyer, BMZ, noted:
“Resilience in African cities is central for securing climate-smart development.”
Powering Urban Resilience: Data, Finance & Nature-Based Solutions in Action
On 10 September, RIA co-organized a high-level side event with UNDRR, SDI, and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund. Titled “Powering Urban Resilience: Data, Finance & Nature-Based Solutions in Action,” the session highlighted the importance of integrated frameworks that bring together Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).
Discussions emphasized:
- Participatory governance: empowering local governments and communities to co-create context-specific action plans.
- Risk data as a backbone: transforming uncertainty into actionable knowledge for decision-making, particularly in informal settlements.
- Nature-based Solutions (NbS): proven approaches to mitigating floods and restoring ecosystems.
RIA Project Manager, Ria Hidajat, stressed the power of collective action: “Partnerships unlock the solutions that cities need to face climate risks.”
Driving Forward Africa’s Urban Resilience Agenda
RIA’s engagement at ACS2 reflected its commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing practical solutions that place people at the center of resilience-building. The events underscored that resilience is not just about reducing risks, but about creating cities that are inclusive, sustainable, and capable of adapting to future challenges.
As the continent continues to scale up efforts through the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP) and related initiatives, RIA will remain a trusted partner in promoting integrated approaches, supporting local leadership, and fostering innovation for a climate-resilient Africa.
Related news
