As we confront the complex climate challenges of our era, collaborative and innovative action is essential. These efforts are needed to close market gaps and advance ambitious resilience agendas at the necessary pace.
The third session of our collaboration with Zurich North America in the Cities on the Frontline Speaker Series focused on the vital role of cross-sectoral partnerships in mobilizing the necessary funding for urgent and comprehensive resilience action. This discussion
highlighted how different stakeholders can come together to pool resources, share knowledge, and leverage their expertise to explore partnership models that ensure solutions not only address systemic barriers but also prioritize the needs of those most vulnerable to climate risks.
Our guests explored the role of cross-sector partnerships in funding community resilience. The session featured an interactive discussion between Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director of Resilient Cities Network, and Gregory Renand, Head of the Zurich Foundation, guided by moderator Kelli Borden, Head of Underwriting Quality and Governance at Zurich North America.
Lauren Sorkin highlighted the financial challenges cities face when planning resilience projects, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that align city-level priorities with private sector opportunities. She pointed to the importance of capacity building, advanced risk data, and developing portfolio approaches to funding resilience. Case studies like Cape Town illustrated successful integration of resilience metrics in capital planning, while the importance of empowering vulnerable communities for co-created solutions was also stressed.
Gregory Renand outlined Z Zurich Foundation’s evolution from rural flood resilience efforts to multi-hazard approaches in urban areas prompted by the increase in the complexity of climate challenges over the years. He detailed the foundation’s community-driven methodology, emphasizing tailored solutions developed through tools like the Climate Resilience Measurement for Communities (CRMC). By collaborating with local partners and leveraging Zurich’s global expertise in risk management, the foundation seeks to influence systemic change and scale impact, with equity as a guiding principle.
Both panelists underscored the significance of cross-sector collaboration, aligning business objectives with community needs, and fostering shared ownership of solutions. Gregory’s closing aspiration, inspired by a community member in Nicaragua— “my dream is that no one lives with the fear of flood”—captured the broader goal of building resilience against diverse climate hazards worldwide.
In conclusion, the session affirmed the potential of corporate and philanthropic funding in addressing climate risks, provided clear examples of successful practices, and underscored the need for partnerships that integrate local knowledge and global expertise.
Gregory Renand
Head, Z Zurich Foundation
“Of course, our funding is limited. So, at some point there is this notion that when something works, how do you scale? And how do you do it also with increased resources? And this is where Zurich can play a big part in supporting organizations like R-Cities to get this additional finance that is required to scale impact further”
Lauren Sorkin
Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network
“The most important thing is to have a strong set of priorities coming from the communities and the cities. Our role is to help to articulate those, to make sure that they’re clear, because when you have a clear shared set of priorities, and everyone knows what the rules of the game are, and where the goals are, then we can actually score. We can win together.”
Kelli Borden (Moderator)
Head of Underwriting Quality and Governance
Zurich North America
