Empowering SMEs for urban resilience

Having a point of view is important when working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to build a safer, more equitable and sustainable future for all. It is a compass that guides our efforts, helping us and our cities to understand what we collectively are striving for, what our priorities are and how to approach it. A defined point of view is also a strong motivator because it reminds us why we started our resilience journey, especially during challenging times. To inspire change, especially on a large scale, it is essential to communicate our ideas clearly and consistently. With a clear, consistent, and well-articulated point of view, we hope to demonstrate our conviction, depth of thought and sincerity to transform cities. Building holistic resilience and driving change in cities is rarely easy and often meets resistance. Having a strong perspective can provide the resilience needed to navigate adversities and stay committed. Where there is disagreement with a particular point of view, presenting one stimulates discussion. This leads to deeper understanding, refinement of ideas, and collaborative solutions. A shared perspective brings us together under a shared mission. A Point of View: Empowering SMEs for Urban Resilience presents our first resilience perspective drawing on the invaluable lessons from our Catalyzing City Resilience Solutions program, supported by the Citi Foundation. It offers insights that advocate for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as vital catalysts for urban resilience and economic growth. Resilient Cities Network defines urban resilience as the capacity of a city’s systems, businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals to survive, adapt, and thrive, no matter what chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience. Economic resilience is the ability of a city and its local economy to grow, adapt, and survive in ways that address the city’s chronic stresses and shock exposures and risks. It involves not only stabilizing local economies in the context of Covid-19 recovery and advancing economic growth, but also ensuring that the benefits of growth serve to build the resilience of the city’s households, communities, businesses, and institutions. A resilient urban economy and a resilient private sector supports the city to thrive. This in turn increases the city’s overall economic potential. We firmly believe that SMEs play an indispensable role in this pursuit toward urban and economic resilience, contributing to economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development within the urban environment. However, the journey toward genuine, holistic urban resilience requires a paradigm shift. It demands a systemic perspective that strengthens the relationship between SMEs, the private sector, and cities aligning them behind a common goal. Over the last 3 years coming out of a global pandemic, there is no doubt about the importance of fostering collaborative urban ecosystems to empower SMEs in addressing their challenges and unlock their full potential as drivers of urban and economic resilience. This publication is the culmination of our firm conviction that multistakeholder collaboration and more so trusted relationships between public and private sectors are key to overcoming urban challenges. By promoting inclusivity and collective action, we can achieve resilience outcomes that pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. As a city network that supports its members on building holistic urban resilience, our focus in encouraging cities to working with SMEs lies in fostering cooperation among stakeholders to address resilience challenges. Through trusted partnerships and a shared vision, we can create meaningful change that transcends traditional boundaries. We hope the insights presented here inspire stakeholders globally to unite in their pursuit of urban resilience, ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for all.

source :

https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/A-Point-of-View-Empowering-SMEs-for-Urban-Resilience.pdf