With 70% of global carbon emissions attributable to cities, and 95% of the world’s cities most affected by climate change and considered at extreme risk situated in Africa, Asia and SIDS (Small Island Developing States), the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Official Side Event will explore how Commonwealth partners can work collaboratively to deliver development that achieves climate goals while creating safe and resilient communities. Emerging actions and initiatives that meet these critical needs will be introduced, among them WRI's Urban Water Resilience in Africa Initiative.

Following the panel discussion, The Mayor of Kigali, and the Mayor of Musanze will formally launch the City Resilience Profile and Action Plan for their respective cities, developed from extensive stakeholder consultations and with the support of partners WRI, Arup, Resilient Cities Network, The Resilience Shift, Bantu Design and the Rwanda Young Water Professionals.

Launch of Kigali and Musanze City Resilience Profile and Action Plans:

  • Lord Pudence Rubingisa, Mayor of Kigali
  • Hon. Janvier Ramuli, Mayor of Musanze

Panelists:

  • Ms. Elizabeth Chege, Chair, World Green Buildings Council, Africa Region
  • Professor Peter Clegg, Senior Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, UK
  • Professor Ian Rowlands, Associate Vice‐President, International, University of Waterloo, Canada
  • Dr. Lucy Stevens, Acting Director, Influence & Impact, Practical Action, UK

Moderator:

  • Ms. Hellen Njoki Wanjohi-Opil, WRI Resilience African Cities Lead, UNFCCC Climate Champions

WRI Speakers:

  • Aklilu Fikresilassie, Director for Thriving and Resilient Cities, WRI Africa
  • Marc Manyifika, Rwanda Country Lead for the Urban Water Resilience Initiative, WRI Africa