The resilience learning module continues to be rolled out with Ibero-American focal points in collaboration with FLACMA.

Zoom participants watching a shared screen with a graphic on the systemic perspective of resilience.

After a year since the Peer Learning on Resilience with associations in Central America and the Caribbean, the UCLG Learning team carried out the first Training of Trainers in Spanish based on the new resilience module. This module reflects a long process of collaboration with UCLG Associations and partners, building on practices, knowledge and experiences from across the network. This time, members of FLACMA (Latin American Federation of Cities, Municipalities and Associations, for its acronym in Spanish) interested in training on resilience strategies participated from Chile (AChM), Costa Rica (UNGL), Bolivia (AMB), Colombia (FCM), Ecuador (AME), Peru (FEMULP), Mexico (FENAMM) and Spain (FEMP).

The sessions continued with a hybrid methodology of presentations, interactive exercises and learning games to reinforce the fundamentals of resilient governance and development. Karen Porras, Executive Secretary of UNGL, and Esteban Leon, Head of the City Resilience Profiling Programme at UN-Habitat, joined in with welcoming remarks for the associations, stressing the importance of learning from the module in order to replicate it locally.

Learning interactive tool shared with Zoom conference participantsShared screen with a graphic on urban risk and the 2030 AGenda

During the 3 sessions, experiences and suggestions on the key role and lines of action of Local and Regional Government Associations (LRGAs). The contribution of the section representatives together with the trainers highlighted the areas where there are current needs, opportunities and ongoing actions in their regions. Most of the Associations reported changes ranging from the need for awareness building, structuring and supporting evidence and data, as well as particular training for small and medium-sized municipalities in resilience building.

The sessions were guided by the UCLG Learning team. As previously mentioned, the methodology implemented included speeches, exercises, and concept presentations. In them, representatives of UNDRR and UN-Habitat highlighted the fundamental connection of these organisations for the creation and deployment of the module. First, Johanna Granados (UNDRR Americas and the Caribbean) presented the urban resilience agenda, its connections with global agendas and the importance of incorporating risk and disaster management in local strategic urban planning for the future of Latin American cities. Following this, Amaia Celaya (UN-Habitat) presented the detailed case of Asunción, in the Latin American context, with recommendations to increase the resilience and sustainability of the city using the City Resilience Profiling Tool (CRPT).

 Setting up the long-term vision for resilience and the cost of doing nothingLearning tool and graphic shared in a zoom conference

Interactive learning cannot be missed during training. Thus, on the second day, after presenting the principles and concrete case studies of resilience, governance and assessments, Futurilities, the module's key dynamic, was presented. It invited participants to think about possible impacts in the short, medium and long term, taking into account financial, socio-economic and environmental factors. Reflections on the decision-making process of local and regional governments are the concluding thoughts for participants. Among them, participants highlighted the need for appropriate assessments that take into account future climate trends, as well as the need for innovative financing mechanisms and collaboration between levels of government.

Zoom participants smiling and enjoying the experienceReflecting with Local Government Associations and their key role towards resilience.

During the last session, the exercise addressed to the Associations was crucial to generate internal debates and reflections. This exercise focused on the work of supporting local and regional processes that encourage resilience and DRR during different stages. To conclude the event, Sergio Arredondo, FLACMA Secretary General, expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the Associations for participating. He also commented on the importance of the implementation of the module within the Associations for their future development.

Due to the diverse group of participants and their interest in the module, the workshop was a great success. After learning about the module in general, the replication of these training sessions in the near future by adapting the chapters according to the specific needs of the members in their regions.

Within the agenda of the UCLG Learning Team this year, another Training of Trainers session is being planned in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the publication of the second volume of the resilience module.