In a groundbreaking move, the Resilience4Ports initiative has officially launched the first action-oriented commitment aimed at bolstering the resilience of ports against the mounting challenges posed by climate change. This initiative seeks to secure lasting improvements in the infrastructure and services vital for global trade, highlighting the urgent need for collective action among diverse stakeholders.
As part of the celebrations for Resilience Day at COP29, Resilience4Ports called upon a diverse range of participants, including policy makers, businesses, financiers, industry associations, international organizations, and port operators to join forces in supporting the Adaptation and Resilience goals advocated by the Sharm-El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions’ Maritime Resilience Breakthroughs.
The Call to Action represents a pivotal sectoral commitment from global port actors, focusing specifically on improving resilience in terms of infrastructure and operations in light of climate change. It outlines four principal actions for industry partners: to comprehend and tackle climate risks; weave climate resilience into business models and processes; prioritize community-centric approaches in business continuity; and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and insights.
Dr. Darshana Godaliyadde, Director of the Resilience4Ports initiative, emphasized, “Ports are increasingly subjected to cumulative pressures stemming from climate change, geopolitical uncertainties, aspirations for net-zero emissions, technological transformations, and an urgent need for social and environmental equity. To effectively navigate these challenges, we must develop new port infrastructure, as well as adapt existing facilities on a large scale, particularly in emerging maritime economies of the Global South and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”
“The objective of our pledge is to unite diverse decision-makers and stakeholders within the port sector toward a common mission: to mitigate risks and enhance resilience, thereby ensuring a safe and sustainable port system that encompasses supply chains, oceanic and coastal ecosystems, and surrounding communities both now and into the future,” she added.
Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, Director General of the Port of Baku, reaffirmed his commitment to the Resilience4Ports pledge, stating, “As we prepare for COP29 in Baku, we emphasize our proactive approach to the challenges posed by climate change and our focus on decarbonization. Since 2016, the Port of Baku has collaborated with regional and global partners to transform the Middle Corridor into a Green Corridor, thereby enhancing resilience and improving connectivity. Our mission is to leverage innovative solutions that bolster infrastructure, safeguard ecosystems, and uphold Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aiming ultimately to advance resilient infrastructure and support vulnerable regions while promoting sustainable maritime trade throughout the Caspian region.”
Ricardo Barkala, President of Bilbao Port, stated: “Ports are increasingly becoming central to the energy transition, serving as hubs for alternative fuels, renewable energy generation, and accommodating nascent net-zero industries such as green hydrogen, e-fuels, biofuels, and offshore wind energy. The significance of biodiversity restoration, alongside infrastructure adaptation to climate change, continues to gain importance. Immediate action is essential, guided by a long-term strategy that converges economic, environmental, and social commitments.”
The World Trade Organization recognizes that ships are responsible for more than 80% of global trade volume. However, the ramifications of climate change—exemplified by rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and the surge in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events—pose significant threats to the safe operation of port facilities. Historical events serve as stark reminders of these vulnerabilities: Hurricane Katrina inflicted damages exceeding $1.7 billion on Southern Louisiana ports, while Typhoon Maemi rendered the Port of Busan in South Korea inoperable for over 90 days.
In light of these escalating impacts, it is crucial for port systems to evolve and adapt, ensuring their capacity to handle unpredictable operating conditions while maintaining the flow of essential goods and services crucial for millions globally.
The Resilience4Ports initiative, championed by the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) and supported by key partners like Arup, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, is devoted to fostering a safer and more sustainable port ecosystem. This initiative emphasizes ongoing assessments against key resilience metrics, holding industry leaders accountable in their commitment to sustainable practices.
Today’s pledge marks a significant advancement in this broader strategy. Accompanied by a detailed progress report, which underscores the necessity for sustainable and resilient strategies within port systems, it equips port stakeholders with the framework needed to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their capacity to preemptively manage, endure, and recover from operational disruptions while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
A significant spotlight was shone on the pledge at an official festivities of the G20 Social, a segment of the G20 dedicated to addressing social issues. Key speakers, including Porto do Açú’s Caio Cunha and ICSI’s Savina Carluccio, presented the impactful endeavors of the Resilience4Ports initiative, showcasing its global significance.
To engage with the pledge and access the progress report, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) website. For further insights on how the Resilience4Ports program can enhance port resilience, interested parties may reach out to darshana@sustainability-coalition.org.
About Resilience4Ports
The Resilience4Ports (R4P) initiative, first launched at COP27, is spearheaded by the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI). It is backed by organizations such as Arup, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. This initiative aims to create a collaborative network of ports and communities dedicated to assessing, co-creating, and testing solutions related to various resilience challenges. Although initially centered on ports, due to their critical function and exposure to climate risks, it aspires to expand to encompass other aspects of the maritime ecosystem. For additional details:
About the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI)
The International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) stands as a global movement advocating for concrete actions toward infrastructure sustainability, resilience, and climate change adaptation. This coalition unites change agents across engineering, investment, urban planning, and philanthropy seeking to address systemic issues at the intersection of climate change, ecosystem degradation, aging infrastructure, and lack of investment. Committed to tangible and collaborative efforts, ICSI seeks to broaden engagement across diverse communities to accelerate the adoption and scaling of people-centric, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure solutions that promote sustainable development for all. For more information: www.sustainability-coalition.org
About Lloyd’s Register Foundation
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is an independent global charity that champions research, innovation, and education geared towards enhancing global safety. Its mission is to utilize the finest evidence and insight to assist the global community in addressing some of the most critical safety and risk challenges currently confronting the world. For further information, please visit www.lrfoundation.org.uk
About Arup
Arup, dedicated to fostering sustainable development, comprises a team of 18,000 designers, advisors, and experts operating in 140 countries. Founded with the intent to strive for excellence and humanity in all endeavors, Arup collaborates with clients and partners to utilize innovation, technology, and rigorous methodologies to enhance the world. For further details:
About the High-Level Champions
The UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, appointed by COP Presidents each year and mandated at COP21, advocate for ambitious climate actions, bridging the work of governments with collaborative solutions from cities, regions, businesses, investors, and civil society. Their agenda includes the execution of the Marrakech Partnership’s five-year plan, in collaboration with the UNFCCC secretariat and various stakeholders, alongside flagship campaigns such as Race to Zero and Race to Resilience. H.E. Ms. Razan Al Mubarak and Ms. Nigar Arpadarai are the current High-Level Champions for COP28 and COP29. For further information:
What are the primary goals of the Resilience4Ports initiative aimed at enhancing maritime infrastructure?
**Interview with Dr. Darshana Godaliyadde, Director of the Resilience4Ports Initiative**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Godaliyadde. Congratulations on the launch of the Resilience4Ports initiative. Can you explain the motivation behind this groundbreaking commitment?
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** Thank you for having me. The Resilience4Ports initiative was born out of the urgent need to address the growing challenges that ports face due to climate change, geopolitical uncertainties, and the pressing goals of net-zero emissions. Ports are crucial for global trade, and their resilience is essential for maintaining supply chains, supporting coastal communities, and protecting ecosystems. We must unite diverse stakeholders to foster a safer and more sustainable port system.
**Editor:** The initiative emphasizes four key actions for industry partners. Can you elaborate on these actions and their significance?
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** Absolutely. The four actions include: understanding and addressing climate risks; integrating climate resilience into business operations; prioritizing community-centered approaches; and facilitating knowledge sharing. These actions are vital because they not only enhance infrastructure and operational resilience but also support the well-being of surrounding communities and ecosystems. It’s about creating a holistic approach to resilience that benefits all stakeholders in the maritime ecosystem.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the vulnerability of ports, citing significant damages from past disasters like Hurricane Katrina. How do you envision the port sector adapting to these increasing threats?
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** The objective of our pledge is to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Ports must evolve by investing in new infrastructure while also adapting existing facilities to withstand climate impacts. This is especially critical for emerging maritime economies and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By fostering collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and international organizations, we can prepare ports to manage unpredictable conditions effectively.
**Editor:** During COP29, how do you hope to inspire other stakeholders to join the Resilience4Ports initiative?
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** Our goal at COP29 is twofold: to showcase the importance of port resilience and to galvanize decision-makers from various sectors to commit to collective action. We want to demonstrate that investment in resilience is not just an operational necessity but an ethical imperative. Engaging diverse stakeholders is crucial to build a unified voice advocating for resilient port systems that support sustainable development.
**Editor:** what would you say are the most critical outcomes we should expect from this initiative in the coming years?
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** We anticipate that this initiative will lead to measurable improvements in port resilience, enhanced collaboration across the maritime sector, and the establishment of a robust framework for informed decision-making. Ultimately, we aim to ensure safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly port operations that can withstand the test of time while supporting global trade and local communities.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Godaliyadde, for your insights and for your work towards making ports more resilient in the face of climate change. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Resilience4Ports initiative.
**Dr. Godaliyadde:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can shape a more sustainable future for our ports.
