Grant Program, Worldwide App Challenge, and Resource Portal Established to Support Effort

Redlands, California— May 5, 2014—Esri and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) have formed a partnership to build more resilient communities with geospatial technology. The announcement was made at the Abu Dhabi Ascent conference on Sunday, May 4.

Esri and UNISDR will develop a cooperative program aimed at growing the global community of resilient cities through GIS science and capabilities. This agreement will build on the UNISDR’s existing Making Cities Resilient campaign by providing resources aimed at helping communities advance from planning to implementation.

“Just as we’re supporting President Obama’s Climate Data Initiative and resilience in the US, we are committed to providing expertise, support, and capabilities on a global scale for the Making Cities Resilient effort,” said Esri president Jack Dangermond. “Populations and economies are becoming increasingly concentrated in urban areas. Resilient cities and communities are essential for helping us understand climate impacts and plan measures to reduce exposure to disaster risk.”

Margareta Wahlström, the head of UNISDR, said: “Land use and location of critical infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, are key to good planning for all communities, large and small. Planners must deal with spatial information if they are to reduce risk and build resilience to disasters. This partnership with Esri can help bridge the gap between aspiration and implementation by putting the latest science and technology at the disposal of those who have joined the Making Cities Resilient campaign.”

At the 2014 Esri International User Conference, Esri will launch an app challenge centered around UNISDR’s 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient. Later this summer, Esri will also announce a competitive grant program that will award ArcGIS Online for Organizations accounts to selected cities and nonprofits.

In addition, Esri will continue to grow and develop its geo-collaboration portal that provides resources for citizens and governments to build more resilient communities. More information about Esri’s partnership with the UN will be available in the coming months.

For more information about Esri’s support for resilient communities, visit esri.com/resilientcommunities.

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