Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: Insights for the G20

The changing disaster risk and infrastructure resilience landscape has significant implications for the G20 countries. Both the Sendai Framework for DRR (Target D) and the SDGs (SDG 9) have made it clear that ensuring the resilience of national infrastructure systems against disaster and climate risks is a precondition for providing disaster-proof environments to communities. That said, a lack of established common standards and frameworks, developed in partnership with relevant stakeholders, are common hindrances to implementing robust resilience measures.

As the frequency and intensity of disasters increase due to climate change, the G20 must prioritize disaster risk reduction and infrastructure resilience in their policies and investments. This includes investing in early warning systems, risk assessment, and mitigation measures, as well as promoting international cooperation in disaster response. Additionally, the G20 must ensure that disaster risk management is integrated into all sectors, including agriculture, health, and infrastructure, to build a more resilient society. The G20 can also encourage the use of innovative technologies and approaches to disaster risk reduction, such as big data and artificial intelligence to help reduce the impact of disasters on people and economies and promote sustainable development.

Disaster Risk Reduction is an investment decision that requires political leadership and long-term planning that incorporates knowledge about the increasing frequency and severity of hazards and the evolution of vulnerability.

The objective of this side event is to convene sector experts to discuss the evolving landscape of disaster risk and infrastructure resilience and its implications for G20 nations. The panel aims to raise awareness about the significance of disaster risk reduction and resilience building by providing a platform to exchange good practices in resilient infrastructure. The proposed session will shed light on the importance of a long-term perspective that considers
the importance of continuous investment in DRR to protect development investments and avoid downward spirals of investment in disaster response. It will also emphasize the importance of equitable and informed investments in infrastructure, driven by a nuanced understanding of gender impacts of infrastructure decisions.

With this in focus, the session will advocate on the importance of global consistency in objectives and targets as outlined in the Sendai Framework and other global commitments, to strengthen social and infrastructure resilience. This will need concerted efforts, a combination of investments in risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery, as well as cooperation and coordination among governments, the private sector, and international organizations.

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