Stories of resilience: Lessons from local adaptation practice 2025

This year’s Stories of Resilience redefines true progress as a measure of the systems transformed over outputs delivered. Drawing on global examples and lessons on inclusive funding, philanthropy, and justice, it underscores how aligning local priorities with national governance and finance can drive lasting change. Discover how giving power to local actors makes adaptation smarter, fairer, and unstoppable.

The resilience of private sector actors depends heavily on the health of the socio-ecological systems in which they operate. Aligning adaptation efforts so that they strenghten these systems is more than just risk management; it is a source of opportunity, unlocking new markets and innovation. That said, the kinds of systemic, transformational adaptation that embody the principles of LLA are often the hardest for private capital to fund due to low returns, complexity, and greater risk. Despite these challenges, private sector actors can still implement LLA. By engaging communities meaningfully in risk assessments, participating in multistakeholder processes, and aligning products, services, and investment with local realities—supported by strong policy leadership and public finance—companies can embed LLA approaches while also securing their own resilience.