In the face of climate change, the world must shift its mindset from viewing resilience as merely a defensive strategy to embracing it as a proactive approach to designing a sustainable future, argued Dr Youssef Nassef, Director of the Adaptation Division at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking on ‘Shaping the Future of Resilience’ at the Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), Dr Nassef explained that the terms ‘resilience’ and ‘adaptation’ are often used interchangeably. He noted that the global response to climate change comprises two main components: addressing the root causes of the problem and adapting to its impacts.
However, he observed that adaptation has historically been viewed with scepticism, amid concerns it might divert attention from mitigation. Another challenge, he said, lies in measurement-while emission reductions can be quantified, resilience is far more complex and difficult to express numerically.
‘We have to move away from a problem-solution mentality to a mentality of creating a design for the future-one that takes into account economic realities and technological change, rather than trying to solve tomorrow’s problems with today’s outdated mindset,’ he said.
The concept of adaptation, he added, is now seen as a more integrated, forward-looking approach aimed at building systems that are flexible and future-oriented. This shift is embodied in the ‘global goal on adaptation,’ which spans all sectors and redefines how the international community understands and applies resilience.
Designing for the future means responding not just to immediate challenges, but also anticipating future needs by leveraging emerging technologies and long-term thinking. While tools such as technology and finance are vital for building resilience, Dr Nassef emphasised the importance of combining them with indigenous wisdom to achieve large-scale adaptation and sustainable development.
When it comes to sustainable urban development, Dr Nassef highlighted the critical role of neighbourhood design and the integration of sustainability principles into architecture. Citing studies showing that 75% of health issues are linked to environmental factors, he underscored that incorporating nature into the built environment-through approaches such as biophilic design-can create healthier and more resilient communities.
‘This is the mega driving force for everyone to see a transition or transformation in mindset, because it starts from that built environment,’ he said.