UNDRR Asia-Pacific COVID-19 brief: Opportunities for resilient recovery

As countries continue to meet the immediate needs of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis is forcing policymakers to consider the unavoidable trade-offs between saving lives and preserving jobs and livelihoods. Throughout Asia-Pacific, governments are considering options for restarting their economic engines and putting people back to work, including in key sectors that have been most impacted by the pandemic. Experts are considering what recovery might look like once the virus is contained but also how countries can use this recovery opportunity to achieve longer-term resilience goals, including decarbonisation of the world economy.

Key recommendations include:

• Adopt a phased approach to recovery appropriate to the context;
• Invest in governance and institutional coordination;
• Strengthen and expand disaster-responsive and adaptive social protection;
• Streamline data and information systems;
• Be innovative in financing mechanisms;
• Fuel resilient infrastructure investments;
• Promote sustainable consumption and nature-based solutions;
• Ensure mental wellness and psycho-social care;
• Promote and strengthen regional integration and solidarity; and
• Capitalize on the UN plans for social and economic recovery.