Challenges

Established in 2010, the UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) was created to strengthen the capacity of professionals in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA), with a focus on fostering disaster resilient societies. While awareness of DRR has grown in the past decades, many local governments continue to face challenges in translating theory into practices. Cities are in need of hands-on “how-to” approaches to strengthen their DRR planning and implementation in a sustainable and collaborative way. Often, cities face similar challenges—not only related to hazards, but also in governance and coordination—and can benefit greatly from learning through each other’s experiences. Strengthening local capacity through practical knowledge and skills is essential, particularly when combined with peer learning across cities. To bridge this gap, UNDRR GETI strives to identify and apply innovative, cost-effective, and scalable methods that help cities turn knowledge into action within their own local contexts.

Toward a Solution

Since 2017, UNDRR has launched the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities (the Scorecard) to support local governments in self-assessing their disaster resilience progress in alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and SDG11 on resilient and inclusive cities. The Scorecard enables cities to recognize achievements, identify gaps, and develop evidence-based DRR strategies through participatory discussions and information sharing across multiple departments and stakeholders.  UNDRR GETI provides tailored capacity building support to local governments and stakeholders on the Scorecard and its application. The focus is on practical, hands-on “how-to” approaches to bridge the knowledge-to-action gap. The trainings vary from short orientation session and training-of-trainers models to in-depth, multi-day workshops involving 30-50 city officials engaged in DRR, urban planning and relevant issues.

As of 2024, UNDRR GETI has trained more than 38,000 sub-national officials and stakeholders globally.  Many cities have since applied and institutionalized the Scorecard process into their DRR and urban development planning processes. Participants consistently affirm through feedback surveys that these trainings equip them with practical skills and tools needed to plan and implement DRR strategies effectively.

Understanding that cities learn best from each other, UNDRR GETI embeds city-to-city sharing into all training formats.  Trained officials from cities that have applied the Scorecard regularly co-facilitate or share their experiences with peer cities in other locations. This sessions broaden learning opportunities, allowing cities to reflect on both successful and challenging experiences.

Several recent examples highlight this approach:

• In May 2024, a training workshop in Lalitpur, Nepal, organized by UNDRR GETI, UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, CityNet Disaster Cluster, CityNet Plus Arts, Makati City, NSET and ICLEI South Asia brought together over 40 participants from 12 municipalities in Nepal. The training was co-facilitated by Makati City (the Philippines), the first Resilience Hub of MCR2030 in Southeast Asia, and Suryodaya Municipality (Nepal) who have advanced in the Scorecard process and strengthened DRR planning and implementation processes. The training fostered city-to-city exchange and learning of good practices from experienced cities.
• In June 2024, UNDRR GETI, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, and the City of Windhoek (Namibia) co-hosted an executive training on DRR and urban resilience, with participation of the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer, City Councils, Strategic Executives, representatives of the Office of Prime Minister and 5 other Namibian municipalities (Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo, Helao Nafidi, Lüderitz and Oshakati). The trainings advanced understanding of Windhoek’s developing DRR strategy under the Resilience Initiative Africa (supported by GIZ) and was followed by a three-day workshop where 40 representatives of 6 Namibian cities conducted the Climate Resilience Scorecard assessment. Notably, officials from Beau-Bassin Rose Hills (Mauritius) joined as co-facilitators, marking a unique opportunity for city-to-city exchange in Africa.
• On 4 December 2024, UNDRR GETI and UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia partnered with Nicosia Municipality (Cyprus) and CYENS Centre of Excellence in delivering the city’s first urban resilience training. The training brought together over 40 participants, representing a wide range of stakeholder groups from Nicosia and beyond. The training covered key aspects of DRR, the Scorecard methodologies, and features insights from four MCR2030 Resilience Hubs: Amadora and Matosinhos (Portugal), Lviv (Ukraine), and the Province of Potenza (Italy) who shared best practices to inspire future

Reflections from participants further underscore the value of peer learning:

“[I learnt that cities] can teach another. You will think your city is doing well in one essential until you are asked for proof of verification. The case study municipality from Mauritius was the source of inspiration. The team really was prepared and ready with their support.” – Rauna Ndapewoshali Kanu, Finance Manager, City of Windhoek, Namibia

“I was impressed by Incheon’s systematic and advanced technical approaches to disaster risk management, especially evident in their digital waste management systems and sophisticated surveillance capabilities showcased at the IFEZ Smart City Operation Center and G-Tower. Additionally, insights from the UNDRR Office about the Climate Resilience Scorecard provided valuable perspectives on international best practices in disaster risk reduction.” – Quezon City Government representative, the Philippines

“My biggest gain from this workshop was the feedback and experience notes from other cities, which helped better understand how we could integrate DRR into an existing development plan and conduct proper gap analysis. We also learned about the essential areas which need to be tapped into in terms of implementing DRR in the city, and identified the main areas where we lack proper information to establish DRR.” – Ahmed Sham\’aan, Asst. HSE officer, Maldives Ports Limited, Maldives.

This model of practical capacity-building supported by city-to-city learning effectively addresses common urban resilience challenges. It enables local authorities to apply DRR tools in meaningful ways, fosters regional collaboration, and contributes directly to achieving the Sendai Framework and relevant SDGs. Its innovative, scalable, and adaptable design continues to demonstrate success across diverse geographic and institutional contexts.