The Africa Cities and Built Environment Day of Dialogues on July 28 will be held under the banner of Race to Resilience, launched by the High-Level Climate Champions and designed to catalyze a step-change in global ambition to build the resilience of 4 billion people by 2030.

Join WRI and the Coalition for Urban Transitions for two sessions.

Building Urban Water Resilience in African Cities | 10:00 — 11:00 AM CAT / CET

Cities in Africa face escalating water-related challenges, compounded by worsening climate change and rising urbanization. Water insecurity threatens economies, livelihoods and the health and wellbeing of billions. Smart, systematic investments in urban water resilience ensure that communities have safe, reliable and affordable water, and that water resources are protected through disaster preparedness and water-sensitive infrastructure.

This event by WRI’s Urban Water Resilience in Africa initiative will feature a presentation from the authors of a new WRI report, Water Resilience in a Changing Urban Context: Framing Africa's Challenge and Pathways for Action. A roundtable discussion will follow with key institutions, researchers, practitioners and political leaders on how to build upon the report’s framework for water resilience planning to develop a joint agenda for COP26 and beyond.

Seizing Africa’s Urban Opportunity | 3:30 — 5:00 PM CAT / CET

Climate change and rapid urban development in Africa pose immense challenges in planning, infrastructure provision, employment, social services, security and the environment. Investing in a sustainable, low-carbon urban transformation now will yield clean, compact, connected and resilient cities in Africa and provide shared social, economic and environmental benefits to all.

This event will launch a new report from the Coalition for Urban Transitions, Seizing South Africa’s Urban Opportunity, outline the financing gaps for city climate action and emphasize the great investment opportunities African cities provide. The session will bring together national and sub-national government decision-makers, high-profile climate and civil society leaders, and private sector representatives to explore and identify ways to tackle the climate crisis, recover from COVID-19 and secure long-term prosperity through investing in Africa’s cities.

This Day of Dialogues is open to all stakeholders and offers an opportunity to build stronger partnerships, and to showcase and transfer groundbreaking action aiming at building resilience, reducing emissions and fostering adaptation on the continent.