Strengthening SME Resilience: Highlights from the Nov. 25 Workshop in Dubai
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) successfully concluded a key workshop under its "Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of SMEs" project, bringing together representatives from Spain, Barbados, and Japan, along with members of the ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies. The event, held at the Marriott Marquis Creek in Dubai, focused on enhancing the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to plan, invest, and make risk-informed decisions to bolster resilience to natural hazards and climate change.
The workshop took place in the context of a series of significant events led by Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Inter-Governmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation, and Partnerships Branch at UNDRR. On the same day and at the same venue, the ARISE global Board meeting took place and participants to the introductory workshop focused on strengthening the disaster resilience of SMEs also attended the ARISE Symposium on Climate and Disaster Resilient Infrastructure sponsored by ARISE UAE and Sobha Realty. These interconnected events provided a comprehensive platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advancing the agenda of disaster risk reduction (DRR) for SMEs.
Workshop highlights
Business Continuity Plans (BCPs): Participants emphasized the importance of not only developing BCPs but also supporting their effective implementation. Key recommendations included:
- Integrating cybersecurity threats into BCPs.
- Developing a multi-tiered BCP template with basic and advanced levels for enterprises seeking certification.
- Linking BCPs to an enterprise's overall resilience strategy.
Incentivizing DRR for SMEs: Discussions highlighted the need for an enabling environment with specific incentives for SMEs to invest in DRR. Key insights included:
- Engaging the insurance sector as a strategic partner in resilience-building efforts.
- Facilitating access to financial resources and support mechanisms to ensure the success of SME-focused DRR initiatives.
Holistic Approach to Resilience: Participants underscored the importance of considering SMEs within the broader economic, infrastructural, and financial contexts of their respective countries. This comprehensive approach will ensure that DRR strategies are sustainable and impactful.
City contributions
Representatives from the three focus cities presented their strategies and shared lessons learned:
- Barcelona showcased its extensive experience in resilience-building, underpinned by over 35 years of proactive planning and public-private partnerships. With SMEs making up to 95% of businesses in a diverse economy driven by ICT, green/blue economies, biotech, and tourism, Barcelona has developed a comprehensive set of resilience instruments. These include Urban Resilience Plans, Emergency Plans, and Critical Entities Plans. Key challenges identified include financial limitations, awareness gaps, and supply chain dependencies. Barcelona's commitment to resilience is demonstrated through investments in infrastructure, adaptive measures for heatwaves, flooding, and drought, and a focus on protecting vulnerable populations. The city's resilience strategy continues to evolve, integrating lessons learned from past crises and leveraging innovative approaches to ensure sustainable urban development.
- Bridgetown highlighted the critical role of SMEs, which make up 96.3% of businesses and contribute to 64.1% of the national added value. The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) have been at the forefront of resilience-building efforts. Key initiatives include:
- The Risk Management & Crisis Recovery Committee, which supports business recovery and resilience during multi-hazard disasters, such as hurricanes, volcanic ash impacts, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Public-Private Partnerships to enhance capacity-building, including BCP activities supported by the USAID PROSE initiative.
- Active participation in the national disaster risk governance mechanism through the Emergency Management Advisory Council (EMAC) and Standing Committees.
- Advocacy and training programs to raise risk awareness and promote resilience among SMEs.
Bridgetown's resilience strategy emphasizes the importance of policy, regulatory reform, and leveraging regional networks like CARICHAM to foster collaboration and resource-sharing across the Caribbean. These efforts aim to create a more resilient business environment capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.
- Sendai highlighted its journey toward becoming a disaster-resilient and environmentally-friendly city, shaped by the lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) of 2011. With SMEs making up 99.6% of businesses, Sendai faces ongoing challenges related to business closures and recovery efforts. The city has prioritized promoting BCPs, yet a significant portion of SMEs remain without them. Initiatives include cooperation with the Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, co-hosting awareness seminars, and supporting community-based disaster preparedness through training of Sendai Bosai Leaders. Sendai was also certified as an MCR2030 Resilience Hub in October 2024, further committing to sharing knowledge and supporting other cities in building resilience. The city's efforts underscore the importance of public-private partnerships, education, and sustained investment in resilience.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, participants expressed anticipation for the first cross-fertilization dialogue scheduled to take place in Barcelona in early 2025. This dialogue will further facilitate the planning of the next stages for the project and exchange of best practices, experiences, and innovative solutions among SMEs and city stakeholders.
The workshop reaffirmed the critical role of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving resilience. By equipping SMEs with the tools and knowledge to understand risk, invest wisely, and implement effective DRR strategies, this project aims to create more resilient communities and economies.
About the Project
The "Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of SMEs" project seeks to mobilize public, private and other relevant sectors of society to build SME capacity for risk-informed decision-making. The project's interventions include landscaping studies, BCP development, and training programs, ultimately benefiting at least 100 SMEs across the target cities.
About the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
UNDRR is the lead agency in the United Nations on disaster risk reduction. It provides leadership, expertise, and tools to enable countries to understand and act on disaster risks before they become disasters. UNDRR's work is guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to achieve a substantial reduction in disaster risk and losses by the year 2030.