In the context of a rapidly urbanizing Asia Pacific region, the number of people exposed to hazards, shocks, and stresses is increasing, leading to bigger risk and vulnerability. At the same time, people living in cities are themselves agents of change and have significant resources, skills, and capacities to bring together resilience efforts in their own communities and across their cities and districts.

The IFRC and member National Societies have been increasingly present and active to serve the most vulnerable and to support the development of more resilient communities in urban areas through local action and by influencing the Urban Agenda at national, regional and global levels.

The need for urban action is reflected in the IFRC Strategy 2030 that recognizes the high costs of inaction in urban areas and highlights the need for the Movement to develop the right skills to work in the urban context.

In line with the Strategy 2030 and to better understand specific priorities, needs and expectations from the Asia Pacific National Societies, the 1st Asia Pacific Urban Community Resilience Hub Meeting provided a platform for dialogue, learning and interaction amongst National Societies, Partner National Societies, IFRC and other relevant stakeholders, as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, to set the course for the development of appropriate learning pathways and actions to address the urban challenges of the region.