Resilient cities need to join forces
Connecting Minds, Creating the Future is both theme and our assignment of the EXPO Dubai 2020. And also applies to developing our cities in a more sustainable manner. Innovative solutions to global problems are often devised by creative minds in the proverbial attic room. Cooperation between such pioneers can give innovations a boost.
Alone you go faster, perhaps. But together you come further. This is the theme of the water event at the EXPO 2020 Dubai Rural and Urban Development Week, where city leaders and experts from over the world meet.
Exchanging ideas
The hybrid event 'Two Extremes: Flooding and Heatwaves. Resilience Challenges and Innovation in Cities’ takes place on Monday 1 November at the Netherlands Pavilion during the Rural and Urban Development Week at Expo Dubai. The event will be hosted by Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb.
During the event, cities from around the world will exchange ideas, stories of adaptation, and innovative solutions that help address two extremes we are currently facing: flooding and heat waves. This event is part of the extensive programme in the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb: ‘Worldwide, we all experience the negative effects of climate change. We have to adapt our cities to the consequences of excessive rainfall, rising river and sea levels and longer periods of heat and drought. The good news is: more blue-green solutions will do our planet, our cities and citizens good, in many ways. Innovative science and technology create business opportunities and jobs. Sustainable cities are more pleasant to live and work in. They are greener, and cooler.'
Sustainable solutions
Due to the desert climate, people and businesses in the UAE are large consumers of water and energy. And food is largely imported. The ambition of Gulf countries to become more self-sufficient in these areas is great. Making these dreams come true requires a lot of knowledge and experience. The same goes for major challenges worldwide: it is quite obvious why 11 out of the 17 sustainable development objectives of the United Nations touch on sustainable handling of water, food and energy.
Dutch companies, knowledge institutes and social organizations can play an important role in finding sustainable solutions. Besides an impressive exhibition, this EXPO 2020 Dubai is a stepping stone towards global cooperation and exchange of knowledge.
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb: ‘For sustainable solutions we need commitment of the private sector, institutes, universities, and of course our citizens. The Netherlands, and Rotterdam in particular, is frontrunner when it comes to climate adaptation. When we share our knowledge with cities worldwide, we can make better progress.’
‘Global carbon neutrality is an essential goal. Hopefully we’ll get there by 2050. But in the meantime we must deliver a breakthrough on climate adaptation. Now. This world expo 2020 is the perfect incentive to take the challenge to create a more resilient world.’
