At the societal and systems level, resilience is expressed through the characteristics and how equitably of groups of individuals and the institutions, processes, and structures they create function. These characteristics shape how resilient groups organize, relate, and sustain themselves over time, and can be applied across social norms, decision-making processes, and built and institutional environments. Together, they define the core qualities that enable systems to withstand stress, adapt to change, and continue meeting shared needs over the long term—while ensuring that no one person or group is left behind.