Today is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise public awareness about disaster risk and encourage global investment in disaster prevention and the building of resilient societies. 

This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” highlights the importance of proactive investment and innovative partnerships to help cities better withstand the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

As both a response to this global vision and a step toward implementation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the College of Civil Engineering at Tongji University will co-host RISE Week 2025 in Shanghai from October 17 to 22, 2025. This high-level international event will focus on urban disaster risk reduction and strengthening climate resilience through capacity building and knowledge exchange. 

Representatives from government agencies across 15 countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Thailand, Turkey, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, were invited to participate in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual participation. The programme will foster in-depth dialogue on critical issues such as urban governance, policy innovation, financing mechanisms, and sustainable development. 
 
RISE Lab: Advancing Urban Resilience Through Collaborative Innovation 

This event is hosted by the newly established UNDP-Tongji SDG Innovation Lab on Climate and Disaster Resilience (RISE Lab), a joint initiative between UNDP and Tongji University.  

As the first platform of its kind jointly launched by UNDP and a Chinese university, RISE Lab is designed to be a hub for pioneering solutions in urban disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. Through cross-sectoral collaboration and facilitating international knowledge exchange, the lab aims to accelerate the integration of innovative approaches into real-world urban resilience practices. 

Serving as a global platform for shared knowledge and innovation incubation, the lab brings together policymakers, research institutions, the private sector, and international organizations to jointly advance scalable and replicable urban resilience solutions. These efforts directly support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action). 
 
Co-Creating Inclusive, Safe, and Sustainable Urban Futures 

Over six days, RISE Week 2025 will convene mayors, policymakers, technology experts, academic institutions, and international organization representatives from around the world to explore critical questions: 

• How can technological innovation and data empower cities to improve disaster preparedness and response?
• How can policy coordination and innovative financing drive the development of resilient infrastructure?
• How can cities achieve sustainable development amid the growing challenges of climate change and disaster risks? 

Participants will engage in a series of thematic sessions, including high-level dialogues on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, as well as interactive training workshops and knowledge-sharing forums on topics such as urban planning, infrastructure development, and community emergency preparedness. The programme will also feature site visits to highlight the latest applications and practical examples of technological innovation in strengthening urban resilience.