As extreme weather and natural disasters continue to cause incalculable damage across the world, understanding the role of communities in preparing for and responding to these destructive events is essential. GIWPS hosted Dr. Minerva Pinelo, project director for the Pan American Development Foundation, to discuss building resilience to natural disasters and encouraging preparedness and adaptation. Expert discussants Lorena Aguilar, Global Senior Gender Advisor, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Margaret Arnold, Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank contributed additional insight on broader themes of gender and climate change, women’s roles in disaster relief, and the way forward.