Livable Pacific cities and towns: Urbanisation strategies for resilience, sustainability, and inclusion report

This case study presents the Livable Pacific Cities and Towns: Urbanisation Strategies for Resilience, Sustainability, and Inclusion report series developed through technical assistance delivered by the World Bank/GFDRR under the Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme. The initiative combined regional urban analysis and multi-hazard risk assessment across 38 urban areas in 10 Pacific Island Countries, integrating data analysis, exposure modelling and urban resilience diagnostics. Participatory stakeholder engagement and workshops were undertaken to validate priorities and strengthen local ownership. The approach overlaid urban growth analysis with multi-hazard risk mapping to guide future planning, infrastructure investment and inclusive resilience strategies.

The assessment found that rapid urbanisation is concentrating people and assets in hazard-prone coastal areas, increasing exposure to climate change and natural hazards. Multi-hazard assessments improved understanding of flood, cyclone, earthquake and coastal risks, while urban resilience diagnostics identified priority infrastructure and adaptation needs. The report highlights policy, planning and coordination gaps and advances nature-based solutions, climate adaptation and more inclusive approaches to urban growth. Recommendations focus on risk-informed urban planning, resilient infrastructure investment, safer settlement development and the integration of resilience into urban development systems and local governance.