The decisions taken will help determine whether urban areas receive the long-term investment, partnerships and policy support needed to accelerate resilience, strengthen competitiveness and deliver on global climate goals. Mayors, community organisers, residents and businesses are crucial to ensuring a gear shift where local investment is focused towards long-term resilience and global competitiveness. Addressing these through innovative financing mechanisms and the use of AI and digital tools will be key topics at the upcoming European Urban Resilience Forum in June. ICLEI is working with member city Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, the Z Zurich Foundation, and Zurich Insurance Group Türkiye to deliver the Climate Resilience for Communities project as part of the Urban Climate Resilience Program (UCRP). Matthew Bach is regional director Europe at ICLEI Europe – Local Governments for Sustainability.