Name: Singer, Rachent Kyle L.

BASS 3-C
Reflection paper (SEADS)
Designing Resilient and Net Zero Cities of Tomorrow I session I
As a social science student, it is very helpful to have knowledge about SEADS (Social, Environmental,
and Economic Development Strategies) because it is a framework that addresses the
interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic issues. SEADS is a holistic approach to
sustainable development that recognizes the importance of considering social, environmental, and
economic factors together, rather than separately. The program helps us student specially the social
sciences student to analyze the impact of urbanization on social, environmental, and economic factors
and help us students to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Learning about
Designing Resilient and Net-Zero Cities of Tomorrow provide knowledge not just in to us social science
students but also for everyone with a deep understanding of the importance of sustainability in urban
environments. Which lead me to think that it’s so sad that in the community that I am in, there’s only a
few people that know about this program like the SDG program, to help promote awareness and as a
Socsci I know I have to do something about it and by simply tapping and sharing information about this
programs through my friends, family and social media I hope I’m sharing the advocacy.
The Designing Resilient and Net Zero of Tomorrow session provides a useful framework for analyzing
complex issues related to sustainable development. A critical challenge that requires interdisciplinary
knowledge and collaboration. The discussions highlight successful examples on how cities are shifting
to net zero while integrating climate-resilience strategies. Along the session Bruce Chong, Director and
Climate and Urban Sustainability Leader, Arup introduce and share a handful insight about the Asia as
one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change due to its densely populated
coastal cities and low-lying inhabited islands. Follow up by international city experts ( Joris van Etten,
Principal Portfolio Management Specialist ADB Susan Potgieter, Director, Business Incubation and
Ecosystems Strategic Management Office APAC, Hitachi, Linh Le, Global Lead, Smart City
Competency Program, Amazon Web Services, Myrna A. Safitri, Deputy for Environment and Natural
Resources, Nusantara National Capital Authority, Indonesia, Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director,
Resilient Cities Network, Safiah Moore, Cities, Planning and Design Leader, Arup, Moderator: Dina
Gurning, News Anchor and Journalist, CNBC Indonesiato) they discuss some of the current challenges,
solutions, and the role of businesses and governments in accelerating the transition of cities.
Learning that designing resilient and net-zero cities involves addressing complex social, economic, and
environmental issues and requires a holistic approach is quite interesting. As a social science student,
it is important to learn about designing resilient and net-zero cities of tomorrow because it is a critical
challenge that requires interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration. The session highlight
opportunities, challenges and solutions—from strategy to implementation—that can help businesses
and city governments design resilient and net-zero cities of tomorrow. While addressing the challenges
around governance, implementation and investment, the experts will cover four themes:
Decarbonization of city infrastructure (identifying and shaping investible projects), Digitalization as a
means to accelerate development of net-zero and resilient cities (city scale test beds for smart city
innovations), The need to map city climate risks and how cities in fast urbanizing, low- and middle-
income countries can build urban climate resilience and lastly the Inclusive design interventions to build
sustainable, livable, and inclusive cities. This vision is a critical challenge that requires careful planning
and innovative solutions. Resilient and net-zero cities are those that can withstand the impacts of
climate change while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero or near zero. One key aspect of
designing resilient and net-zero cities is the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Buildings, transportation systems, and energy systems must be designed to withstand extreme weather
events and other climate change impacts while also minimizing their environmental footprint. This
requires a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure and a shift towards sustainable
transportation options, such as public transit and active transportation. requires a focus on circular
economies. This involves designing systems that eliminate waste and minimize resource use, while
also supporting local economic development. By prioritizing circular economies, cities can become
more resilient to external shocks, such as supply chain disruptions, while also reducing their
environmental footprint.
In conclusion, Designing Resilient and Net-Zero Cities of Tomorrow is a complex challenge that
requires a holistic approach. It requires collaboration between policymakers, city planners, and
community members like us student to create sustainable and resilient environments that prioritize both
the environment and social well-being. By investing in resilient infrastructure, green and blue
infrastructure, social sustainability, and circular economies, cities can create a better future for all.