In line with our mission to “shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide’, ULI Asia Pacific is very excited to launch the Resilient Cities Council, the latest addition to the regional Product Council programme, which aims to engage our member leaders in addressing specific topics that are of great importance to the real estate community.

On 15 June, a preview meeting was purposely built to generate thoughtful conversations on resilient cities. The two breakout sessions were followed by polling. Here are some highlights of the results:

• 66% of attendees cited decarbonisation of the built environment to fight climate change as the highest priority; social and community aspects: inclusiveness and affordable housing came in second.
• In the next 12 months, ULI and its members should focus on the delivery of ULI Advisory Services to accelerate the design, build, and operate of lighthouse projects to demonstrate “healthy, resilient, and carbon-neutral” communities in key cities across Asia Pacific. Also, ULI should run learning series, targeted at different levels of professionals, on how to reduce carbon in the built environment.

Thanks to the two co-chairs, Nina James, Managing Director and Head of Asia ESG, Blackstone and Chungha Cha, Co-founder and CTO, Reimagining Cities Foundation, there was a robust exchange among the 50+ attendees on this important topic.

The first official Resilient Cities Council Meeting will be held on 20 July. As the co-chairs put it, we hope to build a big group of friends with shared values and ambitions, to address collectively some of the adverse challenges of climate change and resilient cities. If you are interested to join the tribe, please drop a note to [email protected].