Economic Opportunity

Resilience for sustainable, inclusive growth

Resilience is a whole-of-city issue – Crises and disruptions require a coordinated and trusted response by the public and private sectors as well as communities. The world’s most pressing crises, including Covid-19, climate change and economic downturn, are breaking down traditional divisions in how and when public and private organizations respond. Economic and societal resilience are interlinked and are equally part of urban resilience. Cities cannot build urban resilience alone. Resilience planning, by design, fosters the cooperation of public- and private-sector organizations in supporting sustainability and inclusiveness across urban systems and societies.

Furthermore, the private sector is a catalyst for innovation and supports new economic opportunities in cities. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in particular, are key drivers of local economic development, providing 45% of jobs in emerging economies (OECD). For companies big or small alike, resilience will translate into sustainable business growth; for societies, resilience both enables and depends on meaningful economic growth, emphasizing improved quality of life, equality, and inclusiveness. Without sustained social advancement, societies are less resilient and secure. Likewise, the goal of sustainable and inclusive growth includes the protection and repair of natural environments, beyond mitigation of the effects of the climate crisis. By leveraging public policy, partnerships with private enterprises, and visible investments in people and places, cities are advancing an equitable pathway to prosperity and building urban resilience.

Our programs on economic opportunity

News and Resources