International Recovery Forum 2021: Building back better from compound disasters - Practical cases and lessons for recovery from natural hazards and COVID-19

Description

The COVID-19 global health crisis has undoubtedly impacted many aspects of society and the economy. The unprecedented socioeconomic impacts that it has caused have undermined development progress and threatened the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simultaneously, countries are confronted by the challenges of managing compound risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural hazards. The International Recovery Forum 2021 will feature discussions on lessons for governance, planning, financing, and other key areas which can be applied to the COVID-19 recovery. Building on the IRP COVID-19 Recovery Policy Brief, panelists will consider the unique challenges and opportunities for recovery and building back better from the pandemic and compound disasters.

The online Forum 2021 will have two panel discussions that aim to achieve these objectives:

1. Examine priorities and opportunities to build back better, greener, and more resilient from COVID-19 and compound disasters

   The first panel will discuss strategies for building back better, greener, and more resilient from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural hazards. Discussions will include consideration for institutional, financial, and implementation support for launching a green and resilient recovery while balancing immediate recovery needs and goals with priorities for longer-term resilience. Speakers will reflect on lessons from recent and past recovery experiences that can inform priorities and opportunities to build back better.

2. Assess social and economic impacts and identify early lessons learned for sustainable recovery from pandemics and compound disasters

   The second panel will delve into cases and early lessons learned for recovery from disasters in countries most affected by the pandemic and natural hazards. It will provide insights from assessing social and economic impacts, as well as planning and financing a sustainable recovery. It will address key issues for vulnerable groups, and consider measures for managing compound risks from the pandemic and natural hazards.