From Rubble to Resilience: Lessons in Urban Disaster Recovery

Ebru Gencer opened the seminar by sharing her insights into post-disaster urban planning, with a focus on rebuilding Hatay after the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. Drawing on her extensive experience with the UN and as part of Columbia’s Resilience Fund Project, her work demonstrates how strategic planning can address not just immediate recovery, but also long-term sustainability in disaster-prone regions.

Understanding Resilient Reconstruction

Gencer began by outlining the scope of her project, Building Back Better in Hatay, which was awarded funding from Columbia’s Global Resilience Fund. The project is focused on developing a multi-stakeholder, multi-risk informed approach to urban redevelopment. "We need to move beyond solely earthquake risk reduction and take the opportunity to develop a multi-hazard approach," Gencer said, explaining how this approach will address compounding risks, such as climate change and economic stressors.

The Collaborative, Multi-Stakeholder Approach

Gencer highlighted that the project’s success hinges on interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration. "We hope to collaborate with colleagues and local partners in Türkiye, expanding the team as we progress. Involving multiple stakeholders will not only increase technical capacities but also empower communities that are rarely included in decision-making," she stressed. This approach is designed to ensure that planning actions are both inclusive and feasible, considering the unique historical and cultural significance of Hatay province.

Building Back Better: A Transformative Vision

Gencer emphasized that the project goes beyond simply restoring the region to its previous state. "Building back better should have a transformative component. It’s not just about reconstructing what was lost, but about making communities more resilient and sustainable for the future," she explained. Drawing on international frameworks like the UN’s definition of "Building Back Better," Gencer’s approach aims to integrate disaster risk reduction into the restoration of physical infrastructure, livelihoods, and societal systems. She added, "This transformative phase is essential to moving towards sustainable development."

Learning from Global Examples: Kobe Earthquake

Gencer shared valuable lessons from the reconstruction efforts following the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan. "In Kobe, one of the key strategies was governance and vision. Just nine days after the earthquake, the mayor presented a basic vision for the city’s reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of building back better, not just rebuilding what was destroyed," Gencer said. The vision for Kobe included goals of safety, economic vitality, and international cooperation, with an emphasis on community involvement in the planning process.

Adapting Global Lessons to the Hatay Project

While international examples provide valuable insights, Gencer emphasized that solutions must be adapted to the specific context of Hatay. "Each context has its unique governance systems, cultural considerations, and technical capacities. We can’t just export ideas from other places; we need to tailor them to the local conditions," she cautioned. For instance, in the Hatay Project, Gencer outlined the main activities: developing the multi-hazard, multi-stakeholder framework for reconstruction, conducting climate impact studies, and establishing educational studios and workshops in collaboration with Columbia’s Global Center in Istanbul. "We aim to produce locally targeted, co-designed principles and proposals through a collaborative process that engages multiple disciplines and stakeholders," she said.

In conclusion, Gencer stressed the importance of transformative, inclusive approaches in disaster recovery. "Building back better is about understanding the complex and dynamic nature of risk, and committing to transformative changes that empower communities and enhance resilience for the future."

Following Gencer, Illya Azaroff, a globally recognized leader in disaster resilience and regenerative design, provided a broader perspective on urban recovery. Drawing on his experiences with projects ranging from New York to Japan and his work at international climate conferences, Azaroff emphasized the need for a holistic approach to resilience. His focus on the difference between healing and curing in post-disaster contexts underscored the critical role of community engagement and long-term planning in creating cities that can thrive in the face of future challenges.

A Holistic Approach to Recovery

"I'm an architect, educator, and geographer, and my work is dedicated to bringing greater voice and visibility to underserved communities, advancing adaptation, mitigation, and regeneration," Azaroff began. Azaroff highlighted the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of modern disasters, from hurricanes and earthquakes to resource stresses like drought and food scarcity. Reflecting on the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes, he noted: "There's a great deal of good work happening—cities are being rebuilt rapidly—but we must understand the difference between Band-Aids and major surgery."

Healing vs. Curing: The Core of Resilience

One of the central points of Azaroff's talk was the distinction between "healing" and "curing." He explained, "Healing focuses on resolving the root causes of a problem, while curing manages the symptoms." For Azaroff, disaster recovery efforts that only focus on replacing destroyed infrastructure without holistically addressing the deeper systemic issues are missing the mark. "How do we build a better future if we are only focused on curing? Replacing a house or a bridge is not enough. We need to address the reasons why they failed in the first place."

Learning from Global Models: Japan’s Comprehensive Resilience

Azaroff drew on examples from Japan’s recovery following the Kobe earthquake and the Tohoku disaster to demonstrate the power of pre-planning and resilience. "Japan prepares for all seven community lifelines when a disaster occurs—not just housing but temporary bus stops, markets, hotels, and community centers. These are pre-planned using baseball fields, parking lots, and other public spaces." He admired Japan’s approach to relocation, where families from the same neighborhoods are kept together, preserving vital social structures. "Imagine being displaced with your child's babysitter—those social connections are key to healing," he said.

Cultural Context and Community Involvement

Azaroff stressed the importance of involving communities in disaster recovery, using culturally resonant solutions. "Following the Tohoku disaster, the Ibasho Café, a social hub rooted in Japanese culture, became a center for community organization and healing," he explained. The café hosted 330 events and welcomed over 11,000 visitors, reinforcing the idea that recovery efforts must be culturally grounded and community-driven. "It’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about maintaining the social and cultural fabric that holds communities together."

Expanding the Team: A Call for Inclusive, Multi-Sector & Community-based Engagement

Azaroff urged architects and planners to expand their design teams beyond the traditional roles of architects and engineers. "You need historians, geographers, marine biologists, community leaders, and local artisans on your team," he said. He emphasized that everyone in the community, from young people to elders, should be included in the planning process. "Don’t count them out—count them in. The youth will see the recovery through to that bright future."

Final Thoughts: Building for the Future

Azaroff’s talk left the audience with a powerful message: true resilience goes beyond physical rebuilding. "We must ask ourselves how we can build a better future, not just restore what was lost," he said. By involving communities, preserving cultural heritage, and planning holistically for the future, cities can emerge from disaster stronger, more adaptable, and more resilient.

Ali Höcek concluded the seminar by presenting the innovative work of Collective Action for Readiness, Recovery, and Resilience (CARRRE), an organization he co-founded after the 2023 earthquakes. Höcek shared his community-based approach to urban recovery, emphasizing how design and planning must respond to local needs and cultural contexts. Through projects like Urban Resilience Parks and networks in Türkiye, Höcek illustrated the power of grassroots initiatives and collaborative efforts in rebuilding both physical infrastructure and social cohesion after disasters.

Listening Before Designing: CARRRE's Approach

"Although our initial impulse as creative professionals was to start designing and building, we chose a different approach—first by listening to experts and those working in the affected region," Höcek explained. Within months of the February 2023 earthquakes, Höcek and a group of architects and professionals formed CARRRE with the goal of giving agency to those directly impacted by disasters. To facilitate this, CARRRE organized panel discussions in New York and Istanbul, bringing together experts in architecture, engineering, and urban planning. Höcek emphasized the importance of listening to local communities before jumping into design solutions.

A Holistic Approach to Resilience and Recovery

One of the key lessons Höcek highlighted is that resilience and recovery must address a broad range of factors. “Recovery needs to be a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the social and built environment—it must also address infrastructure, economy, and governance,” he explained. Höcek criticized the approach of the Turkish government – a strategy shared with much of the world – in erecting container settlements and large apartment blocks after the earthquakes, describing them as a “second disaster.” According to Höcek, these settlements lacked essential and effective public spaces necessary for communities to heal and prepare for future crises.

Urban Resilience Parks: Learning from Japan

Drawing inspiration from historic and contemporary Japanese disaster recovery efforts, Höcek discussed the concept of Urban Resilience Parks, which he is developing with his colleague, Donna Welkiewage. He cited a key precedent from Tokyo: the Hiyokechi, large open spaces that acted as firebreaks in emergencies but served as social gathering spaces during normal times. “The adaptability of these spaces is what makes them so valuable,” he explained. “In normal times, they offer leisure activities, but during disasters, they transform into emergency facilities—manhole covers become toilets, park benches turn into cooking grills, and pavilions serve as shelters.”

Höcek and his team envision similar spaces in Türkiye, working with municipalities like Adana Seyhan to create parks that can function as community hubs and emergency shelters. One such project, a greenhouse park in Adana, was designed to cultivate plants for sale in the city but could quickly convert into shelters during a crisis. “This adaptability is key—spaces that serve the community in everyday life are naturally the first places people turn to in emergencies,” Höcek noted.

Empowering Local Communities: Innovative Solutions from the Ground Up

Throughout his talk, Höcek emphasized the importance of bottom-up, community-driven recovery efforts. He shared examples of innovative solutions developed by local organizations, including a women’s collective in Adana Seyhan that produced essential hygiene items for women in temporary settlements, filling a critical gap in aid efforts. “This is what happens when local communities are empowered—they step in to address needs that large-scale, top-down efforts often miss,” Höcek said.

Höcek also showcased projects by Herkes İçin Mimarlık (Architecture for Everyone), a collective of designers and architects building playgrounds, libraries, and community centers in disaster-affected areas in Türkiye. Their goal is to repair the social fabric torn by the earthquakes, using architecture to foster interaction, healing, and planning for the future. 

Designing for Flexibility and Preparedness

A recurring theme in Höcek’s presentation was the need for flexible, adaptable spaces that serve dual purposes. He described how students in his architecture studio reimagined temporary housing units in Türkiye, proposing new layouts that create shared spaces like vegetable gardens, parks, and communal ovens. “Rather than isolating these functions, we want to distribute them throughout the community—turning temporary settlements into real neighborhoods,” Höcek said. He further emphasized the necessity of social spaces, noting that temporary housing often extends into years of residence for their occupants, with little variation in living conditions.

Conclusion: Collective Action for Resilience

In closing, Höcek emphasized that the power of collective action lies in its ability to create long-term, sustainable solutions. “By listening to local needs, leveraging existing resources, and fostering networks that empower communities, we can go beyond short-term or reactive fixes,” he stated. Höcek’s work through CARRRE, along with the projects he highlighted, showcases how strategic design and community-driven solutions can strengthen the social fabric, support recovery, and enhance preparedness for future crises.

“We can’t prevent disasters, but we can create spaces that help communities recover more quickly and build resilience for the future,” Höcek concluded, offering a vision of recovery that prioritizes flexibility, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

The Global Columbia Collaboratory seminar underscored the necessity of rethinking urban recovery through an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder lens. From Ebru Gencer’s climate-resilient planning in Hatay, to Illya Azaroff’s holistic approach that goes beyond mere reconstruction, to Ali Höcek’s community-focused innovations, each speaker highlighted the power of integrating local knowledge, culture, and sustainability into disaster recovery efforts. Their collective vision emphasizes that rebuilding is not just about restoring what was lost, but about creating cities that are more adaptable, inclusive, and resilient for the future. By fostering collaboration between professionals, communities, and global networks, urban areas can better prepare for, recover from, and thrive in the face of future crises.

Bol began by defining natural disasters as events that overwhelm local capacity, necessitating international assistance to mitigate widespread destruction and human suffering. Drawing from her experience on the ground, Bol highlighted key lessons learned from these past disasters, such as the efficacy of cash transfers where markets are still operational. 

"One of the critical insights," she continued to explain, "is that the most effective first responders come from the affected countries themselves. Training and empowering local actors are essential." However, this principle of localization was not fully implemented in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, where international and local coordination was weak, a challenge that persisted in more recent disasters like the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake.

Addressing Complex Challenges Post-Türkiye-Syria Earthquake

Bol delved into the unique complexities of theFebruary 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake, drawing comparisons with past disasters. With over 55,000 deaths and an estimated $34.2 billion in economic damage, the earthquake significantly impacted both Turkish citizens and the 1.7 million Syrian refugees living in the affected regions. She explained that the disaster compounded existing issues, such as displacement and limited access to services, particularly for Syrians under temporary protected status (TPS).

One of Bol’s key concerns was the strain on Türkiye's health system. Under the Health Equity Assessment and Resilience Tracking for Syrians (HEARTS) Project, she engaged stakeholders to assess how well the system was addressing the needs of both displaced Syrians and Turkish citizens.She outlined several challenges faced by Syrian refugees post-earthquake, including language barriers and limited access to specialized health services, and many remainTurkish citizens and Syrian refugees still living in informal camps due to a lack of available housing.

Social and Political Tensions Exacerbated by the Disaster

Bol also touched on the broader social and political tensions that have arisen, particularly as competition for jobs has increased in Türkiye's strained economy. "We are seeing increasing tensions between the Turkish and Syrian populations," she said, "with growing resentment of the long-term presence of refugees." She emphasized that these dynamics have been exacerbated by economic hardship and political rhetoric surrounding the refugee issue.

Pathways to Long-Term Solutions

In conclusion, Bol urged for a more thoughtful approach to the future of Syrian refugees in Türkiye, particularly regarding their legal status and protection. "Temporary protected status is just that—temporary," she emphasized, "and we need to think about longer-term solutions," including  how to formalize refugees' rights to work and access services, especially as anti-immigration sentiments rise across Europe and Türkiye.

Bol's talk offered a poignant reminder of the need for coordinated, compassionate disaster responses that not only address immediate needs but also promote long-term resilience and equity for vulnerable communities.

Following Bol’s presentation, Çağhan Kızıl, professor of neurology at Columbia University, shared his personal and professional insights on the psychological toll disasters inflict on survivors. Kızıl discussed his innovative project combining group therapy with brain activity analysis to aid psychosocial recovery. His talk emphasized the importance of mental health interventions and scalable solutions for long-term trauma recovery.

Psychological Toll of Disasters

Kızıl began by acknowledging the devastating impact of the earthquake. "The earthquake last year was catastrophic, not just in terms of the immediate destruction, but also because it exposed deep systemic issues in the country's preparedness and response," he stated. He noted that Türkiye has been hit by over 70 major earthquakes in the past century, with official casualty figures exceeding 100,000, although the true toll, including the trauma carried by survivors, is incalculable.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the topic, Kızıl shared his own experience as a high school student during the 1999 İzmit earthquake. This experience ignited his commitment to addressing the emotional and psychological toll of such disasters on survivors. He emphasized that while Türkiye has made efforts to improve disaster response through initiatives like the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), political instability and inconsistent enforcement of regulations continue to undermine long-term planning.

Innovative Group Therapy for Trauma Recovery

Kızıl’s project is structured around group therapy sessions for those who have lost close family members. "We focus on grief resolution and psychosocial recovery, aiming to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, which are very common," he explained.

A key innovation in the project is the integration of therapy with electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis to monitor brain activity before and after the sessions. This data allows the team to measure changes in emotional regulation and assess the effectiveness of the therapy over time. "Our ultimate goal is to create a scalable model that may be applied to other disasters globally or within Türkiye," Kızıl remarked, underscoring the project’s potential for broader application.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Advocacy for Policy Change

Kızıl highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which brings together neuroscientists, psychologists, legal experts, and local organizations to create a holistic approach to mental health recovery. One of the project’s key partnerships is with the Hatay Psychologist Association, which has been instrumental in providing psychosocial aid to survivors since the earthquake."Their understanding of the community's needs allowed us to tailor our interventions effectively." Additionally, the Collective Coordination Association has played a crucial role in handling logistical operations, ensuring that participants can attend sessions and receive the necessary support.

Looking ahead, Kızıl emphasized the importance of expanding the project to reach more survivors and strengthening data collection and analysis, particularly regarding the impact of group therapy on emotional brain functions. He also expressed a desire for advocacy."We would like to advocate for policy changes to improve the country's disaster preparedness and recovery framework, pushing for more science-based and logical directions," Kızıl urged.

Concluding the seminar, B. Yasemin Adalı, an art therapist and educator at the Maya Foundation, introduced the audience to the powerful role of art therapy in helping children and families recover from trauma. Through a variety of creative methods, including digital tools and toy-assisted therapy, Adalı’s work focuses on providing emotional support and fostering resilience among displaced and disaster-affected children. Her case studies offered a poignant reminder of the profound impact art therapy can have on psychological recovery.

Multimodal Approaches to Psychosocial Support

Adalı highlighted how Maya Foundation provides Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) and child protection services, emphasizing that their approach is holistic. They offer education and capacity building, not only for children and youth but also for their caregivers. This work is done through group and individual sessions, positive parenting programs, awareness activities, and social cohesion efforts. "Our programs are often art therapy-inspired and multimodal. We incorporate dance, movement, music therapy, and visual arts to promote resilience and adaptability for children and their families," she explained.

Adalı discussed the Foundation's post-disaster efforts in response to the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake. The team mobilized shortly after the disaster, providing psychological first aid and conducting sessions in Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Şanlıurfa, and Adıyaman, explaining that their work has positively impacted 6,000 children and their families.

Multimodal Approaches to Psychosocial Support

Adalı also provided insight into their innovative use of digital tools, particularly for teenagers, who rely heavily on screens for social interaction. "We blend digital creativity with studio art practices so they can feel a greater sense of control over their environment," she said, emphasizing the importance of offering trauma-sensitive approaches for different age groups.

Adalı underscored the urgency of reaching young children, particularly those aged 3-7, who are often pre-verbal and display developmental delays, especially in disaster-stricken areas. "Children born after the earthquake or who were very young when it occurred are showing emotional and cognitive developmental delays. Ordinary therapeutic designs don’t work with these children, so we use toy-assisted and puppet-assisted modalities," she explained, stressing the importance of early intervention.

Challenges Faced by Displaced Communities

In closing, Adalı reflected on the unique challenges faced by displaced communities, particularly Syrian refugees, who are experiencing trauma compounded by displacement and living in temporary housing. "The Syrian families who have experienced living in container camps before feel like they have returned to where they were 10 years ago. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness or, for some, greater adaptability due to familiarity," she observed, highlighting the complex and varied responses to trauma and displacement.

Adalı’s talk emphasized the critical role of art therapy in helping children and families recover from trauma, offering a path toward healing through creative expression, and fostering resilience in communities devastated by disaster.

The second seminar of the Global Columbia Collaboratory illuminated the critical health and psychological needs of vulnerable communities in post-disaster scenarios. Through the insights of Juliana Bol, Çağhan Kızıl, and Yasemin Adalı, the session underscored the importance of localized, culturally sensitive interventions and the need for holistic, interdisciplinary approaches to disaster recovery. From enhancing mental health support to addressing systemic gaps in disaster preparedness, the speakers offered strategies for fostering resilience and equity in the aftermath of crises. As global disasters continue to affect communities disproportionately, it is imperative to implement these lessons to build stronger, more inclusive recovery systems.

To begin, Şenay Ataselim shared how philanthropy and grassroots involvement can fill critical gaps in disaster relief and recovery, particularly the importance of mobilizing resources quickly, while ensuring that efforts are aligned with the long-term needs of affected communities. Through her experience at Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), she illustrated how philanthropic organizations can foster resilience by bridging private, public, and civil sectors to sustain recovery efforts beyond the immediate crisis response.

A Dual Approach: Immediate Response and Long-Term Resilience

In response to this crisis, TPF has raised $20.7 million and granted over $15 million to support both immediate relief and long-term recovery. "When the earthquake happened, we took two immediate actions: connecting with our trusted partners on the ground and reaching out to our U.S.-based donor network," Ataselim explained. TPF leveraged real-time information from local partners to respond swiftly and effectively to the evolving needs on the ground by maintaining communication with local organizations. "We were flexible," Ataselim noted, "sometimes even changing the allocation of funds mid-stream to ensure they went where they were needed most." As relief efforts transitioned into recovery, TPF began prioritizing initiatives that would promote economic revival and stability, andrestore livelihoods and social cohesion.

Challenges and Strategy in Rebuilding Efforts

Rebuilding, Ataselim observed, requires a strategic approach, particularly because donor support often decreases once immediate needs are met. “Sustained funding is critical, and so we put great emphasis on transparency and storytelling, really showing the impact that our grants have on the ground,” she explained. TPF has kept donors engaged by providing regular progress reports, showcasing periodic milestones. Rebuilding Communities Beyond Physical Structures

A significant part of TPF’s work in the region has centered on restoring the economic fabric of the affected areas, as many small businesses—the backbone of these communities—were forced to close. "The region needs rebuilding through economic investments and support for psychosocial well-being," Ataselim stressed. “The trauma of such a disaster is lasting, and we see that impact on the communities when we visit.” TPF’s current grant-making is focused on fostering job creation and economic stability, with a special emphasis on mental health services to help communities cope with the emotional aftermath of the disaster."Rebuilding after an earthquake as large as the ones we faced in 2023 is without question a long-term commitment," she concluded, "and our work at TPF is driven by the understanding that sustainable recovery requires addressing not only immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a safer, more resilient future."

Looking Ahead: Toward a Resilient Future

As Ataselim’s talk made clear, TPF’s response to the Türkiye earthquake serves as a model of coordinated, flexible, and compassionate disaster recovery. By partnering closely with local organizations and maintaining transparent communication with the global community, TPF has demonstrated the power of effective cross-sector collaboration. Their ongoing efforts highlight the critical role of public-private partnerships in not only rebuilding physical infrastructure but in restoring the social and economic structures that define resilient communities.

Following Ataselim, Jeffrey Schlegelmilch discussed the importance of strategic coordination in disaster preparedness and recovery. Schlegelmilch focused on the role of public-private partnerships and emphasized that effective disaster resilience requires aligning resources, expertise, and efforts across sectors.

Schlegelmilch provided a poignant overview of Türkiye’s ongoing recovery efforts, noting that attention to disaster response often wanes too soon. "Now, a lot of new needs are emerging," he observed. "But it’s also when a lot of our attention starts to fade." He emphasized the unique challenges of sustaining both public and institutional focus on recovery, particularly in this critical long-term phase, which often spans decades.

One of Schlegelmilch’s key points was the misconception that climate change drives all major disasters. Referring to 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, he clarified, "Earthquakes don’t really have a climate change link... The way we live and where we build—especially in urbanized areas vulnerable to seismic activity—drives much of our risk.” He highlighted how essential it is to construct resilient infrastructure irrespective of climate considerations.

The Phases of Disaster Recovery

Schlegelmilch offered a roadmap of disaster recovery, illustrating the difference between short-term response efforts and the marathon of recovery. Initially, response focuses on “search and rescue, life safety, and immediate health needs.” However, as weeks turn into months, communities face what he described as a “remarkable consistency” in emotional and logistical fatigue. The recovery shifts toward “transitional housing and medium-term solutions,” and this is when “keeping communities connected becomes crucial.” In the long-term, the rebuilding phase focuses on “permanent housing solutions and resilient infrastructure” essential for sustained recovery.“Keeping communities together, investing in social cohesion, is the strongest predictor of both health and mental health outcomes post-disaster,” he shared, underscoring the value of psychological and social support alongside physical reconstruction.

Recognizing the Role of Community-Based and Emergent Organizations

Disaster response involves various types of organizations, from government agencies to grassroots movements, each playing distinct roles. Schlegelmilch illustrated this with examples from Hatay, a region hard-hit by the 2023 earthquake. “In Hatay, a school not severely damaged became a community hub where teachers provided support far beyond education, helping families find housing, offering psychosocial support, and essentially becoming social workers.” This type of spontaneous community support, often emerging in the absence of formal assistance, is invaluable, and they often stay active far longer than larger entities. 

Focus on Children as a Holistic Recovery Lens

Schlegelmilch highlighted that children are among the most vulnerable to disasters and are also “bellwethers” of broader community well-being. "If parents don’t have jobs, if schools aren’t functioning, if civil society isn’t functioning, children can’t thrive." By prioritizing children’s needs, recovery efforts can indirectly address a wide range of community necessities, from employment to education and mental health.

In both the U.S. and international contexts, Schlegelmilch’s team has developed models to support children by focusing on the community organizations and educators who serve them. These middle-tier institutions, he explained, are vital to bridging the gap between families and national recovery frameworks. “They are the real experts in working with children; our role is to equip them with tools, science-backed strategies, and advocacy to support their work.”

Looking Ahead: Sustained Focus and Holistic Recovery

Schlegelmilch underscored that disaster recovery, particularly for vulnerable communities, demands sustained, multi-sector collaboration, concluding with a powerful reminder: “Disasters are no longer isolated events but part of an ongoing landscape of recovery that requires continuous support and collaboration. Our ability to build safer, more resilient communities depends on long-term commitment, not just in funding but in our collective attention.”

The final speaker, Muray Güney offered a comparative perspective on Türkiye’s approach to earthquake preparedness, using Chile as a benchmark. Güney’s analysis exposed systemic challenges in Türkiye’s disaster readiness and recovery efforts, including issues of public trust, enforcement of building regulations, and effective communication. His insights highlighted the critical need for long-term investment and robust regulatory frameworks to protect communities from disaster impacts and, ultimately, to rebuild trust in public institutions.

A History of Missed Opportunities

Güney began by addressing Türkiye's 1999 Marmara earthquake, which claimed tens of thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings. While this disaster triggered significant research and new building codes, Güney noted that these measures were not consistently enforced: “We had 24 years not to repeat the same mistakes,” he remarked, yet Türkiye failed to fully use this time for robust earthquake preparedness and securing society’s trust.“What collapsed in the 2023 earthquake was not only buildings but also the trust in public institutions,” he stated. Trust deteriorated further when supposed ‘earthquake-resistant’ buildings, many of which were newly built, failed to withstand the seismic activity. These structural failures highlighted a critical oversight: in Türkiye, the responsibility for building inspections often rests with private companies hired by construction firms themselves, creating a conflict of interest that compromises the integrity of safety checks.

Chile: A Model of Resilience

To underscore the potential for improvement, Güney pointed to Chile’s response to its own seismic risks. Despite facing earthquakes of higher magnitudes than those in Türkiye, Chile has managed to limit the loss of life and damage through disciplined preparedness, frequent public drills, and strong governance. Chileans are also educated to take earthquakes seriously, with annual tsunami and earthquake drills that remind citizens of the importance of vigilance. Güney highlighted the economic wisdom of such preparedness: “For every dollar invested in disaster preparation, you save four dollars in recovery,” a principle Chile has followed with impressive results. He added, “If Chile, with an economy comparable to Türkiye’s, can achieve resilience, so can we.”

Istanbul: A Ticking Time Bomb

With a population exceeding 16 million, Istanbul’s situation is particularly concerning. Güney noted that Istanbul has seen rapid growth in construction since 1999, with little regard for its high seismic risk. The city’s urban sprawl and the lack of risk assessment in densely populated areas make it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. “We already know which parts of Istanbul are risky,” he said, “yet the pace of building inspections and retrofitting is painfully slow.”

A lack of cohesive action between central and local authorities also hampers Istanbul’s preparedness. “Even the designated post-disaster assembly areas identified by the Istanbul municipality don’t align with those of the central government,” Güney observed. This discord jeopardizes efficient emergency response, a crucial factor in minimizing casualties and coordinating rescue efforts when disaster strikes.

Reforming Türkiye’s Earthquake Response

Güney concluded with recommendations that reflect his vision for a safer Türkiye. He called for greater public investment in retrofitting buildings, stronger enforcement of building codes, and a shift from a profit-driven to a public-oriented model of urban planning. In the absence of significant state intervention, he suggested more innovative solutions, such as renting vacant housing as temporary accommodations for families displaced during retrofitting projects in high-risk areas.

To drive home the urgent need for change, Güney stressed the peril of complacency: “If we keep naturalizing disasters and viewing them as ‘acts of nature’ alone, we erode the public's trust and make long-term preparation seem futile. The truth is, we have a responsibility to act, learn, and protect our communities.”

The Global Columbia Collaboratory’s final seminar highlighted the urgent need for resilient, integrated approaches to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Through the unique perspectives of Ataselim, Schlegelmilch, and Güney, participants gained insights into the challenges and opportunities of multi-stakeholder collaboration. From institutional transparency and public trust to civil society’s vital role and global best practices, the seminar underscored that no single sector could tackle disaster resilience alone. As the Collaboratory concluded, it left participants with a powerful message: building safer, more sustainable communities worldwide requires not only coordinated planning and action but also an enduring commitment to learning, adapting, and working together across sectors to support vulnerable communities in the face of both present and future risks.