MINURVI Ministerial Meeting (Brazil, 2024)
The meeting of the Forum of Ministers and Highest Authorities of Housing and Urbanism of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI): Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth in Human Settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean, will be held on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 2024, in Brasília, Brazil. The meeting will primarily focus on climate resilience and sustainable growth in human settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the event, topics will include biodiversity and climate change resilience in human settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean, Build Back Better: an approach to post-disaster recovery for more resilient cities, and land and climate change. Additionally, a ministerial debate will be held to exchange and share experiences, best practices, and proposals to promote urban resilience.
The meeting will feature a diverse group of participants, including ministers and high-level authorities from Latin American and Caribbean countries, academics, and civil society representatives to foster a richer discussion.
Schedule
Thematic Introduction
The objective of this session is to explore opportunities in the region to foster climate resilience and the integration of biodiversity into human settlements, including informal settlements, as key elements in reducing urban inequality and overcoming climate disasters in cities. Practical cases of urban resilience and green and resilient housing initiatives implemented in areas of high social vulnerability will be presented to combat environmental racism and climate inequalities. A ministerial debate will take place to exchange and share experiences, best practices, and proposals to promote urban biodiversity, address the challenges of climate change, and safeguard and strengthen the quality of housing stock and urban infrastructure and services in cities.
An open debate will take place between ministers and high-level authorities guided by the following questions:
- What are the main challenges faced by cities in Latin America and the Caribbean in adopting nature-based solutions, and what measures can be taken to overcome them and ensure sustainable and resilient urban development?
- What strategies are your ministries implementing to ensure that urban planning includes biodiversity conservation and the creation of green spaces that contribute to climate change adaptation and resilience?
- What strategies can be implemented to integrate biodiversity into informal settlements, thus improving climate resilience and reducing urban inequalities?
Conclusions topic 1: Biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change in Latin American and Caribbean human settlements
Moderator: Alice Carvalho, Director, Ministry of Cities of Brazil
Interventions
- Brazil’s National Climate Plan
- Participation of Civil Society in Brazil’s National Climate Plan
- Nationally Determined Contributions and Cities
Thematic Introduction
The aim of this session is to delve deeper into the current challenges and to explore opportunities in the region for building safer, more sustainable, and resilient cities post disasters and climate-related shocks. A ministerial debate will take place to exchange experiences, share best practices, and propose strategies on how to build back better. The discussion will be centred on how to improve risk-informed urban planning instruments; how to catalyse investment into critical resilience infrastructure, notably housing, transport, and public assets; and how to improve coordination with the central government for better disaster response and recovery.
An open debate will take place between ministers and high-level authorities guided by the following questions:
- What are the main gaps identified in the current urban planning instruments that hinder the incorporation of resilience in housing programs for better disaster preparedness, response, and recovery?
- What are some of the best practices identified in the financing of resilient infrastructure and housing?
- What are the current limitations and how can the coordination between central and local government be improved to respond more efficiently to disasters, ensuring the continuity of critical activities and long-term recovery, including the reconstruction of resilient housing?
Moderator: Emanuela Monteiro and Felipe Montoya, Urban Development Specialists, World Bank
Conclusions topic 2 - Build Back Better: an approach to post-disaster recovery for more resilient cities
Thematic Introduction
In line with the New Urban Agenda, land use is a fundamental factor in urban planning and climate resilience. Rapid urbanization and unplanned growth have increased cities' vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Proper land use management can mitigate these risks, promote sustainable development, and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. This session aims to discuss strategies and policies for optimizing land use, integrating resilience and sustainability criteria, and addressing cross-sectoral issues and data-driven planning.
An open debate will take place between ministers and high-level authorities guided by the following questions:
- How can we integrate disaster risk management into land use planning?
- What changes in urban regulations are necessary to promote resilient land use? How to ensure compliance with these regulations at the local and regional level?
Moderator: Elkin Velasquez, Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, UN Habitat
Conclusions topic 3: Land and climate change
Hosted by Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil and Jader Barbalho Filho, Minister of Cities of Brazil and President of MINURVI
