Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), essential drivers of economic and social well-being in cities, have been disproportionately affected and have become more vulnerable due to the pandemic. SMEs communities in cities are also often closely related to the cities' identity and culture, where they are under pressure to innovate while also keeping their tradition. With the overlapping climate crisis, strengthening SMEs in cities beyond surviving the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic is critical for both the local economy and a resilient future. Join us in this session of the Cities on the Frontline Speaker Series, jointly organized by Resilient Cities Network and the World Bank which will focus on “Small Businesses for Urban Resilience: Place-Based SMEs adaptation and innovation”.

 

 

We will feature two cities that are part of the Catalyzing City Resilience Solutions program, supported by the Citi Foundation. We will hear from Prangchai Sunvittayagul, International Affairs Office, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Kanjanee Buddhimedhee, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, on how Bang Mod community in Bangkok, Thailand, is adapting through community tourism.

 

We will also hear about the challenge of Nam O Fish Sauce Coastal Community in Da Nang, Vietnam in preserving their traditional industry while pushing for innovation from Nguyễn Trọng Thanh, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Da Nang City, and Kieu Thi Kinh, Founder of Building up Sustainability Center. We will also be joined by Guilherme Johnston, Head of Global Partnerships at Connected Places Catapult to share about how innovation places can contribute to local economies that demonstrate resilience and inclusivity.