Applying lessons from Covid-19

Prevention and Risk Reduction to Build a Sustainable and Resilient World

1. Implementing a preventive approach as we build back better

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) provides valuable guidance for building back better with the aim to prevent crises. SFDRR includes biological hazards such as pandemics and is the only globally agreed roadmap for reducing risk. Policy-makers have been slow, however, to heed the call of SFDRR to build comprehensive, multi-hazard strategies and support their implementation with well-capacitated institutions and funding.

Risk-informed development as recommended by SFDRR would, for example, ensure the prioritization of access to goods and services for all in need; require fail-safe systems in trade and supply lines; require that financial and other resources can be allocated on short notice; and encourage members of a community to both be prepared and know where to turn for accurate guidance.

2. Committing to protect the most vulnerable

A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us. Each individual has the capacity to advance their family, community, and nation. Therefore, we must leave no one behind. A strong commitment to this principle is needed in our response to COVID-19 and will help build a better and more accessible society and prevent such crises in the future.

3. Strengthening multilateralism based on long-term vision, democratic values, human rights, health equity, accessibility, social justice and respect for nature

This moment requires a strengthened sense of global solidarity driven by sustainable development. Global systems driven by a financial profit motive, rather than wellbeing, are one of the main causes of fragile, unsustainable development. This need not be so, as exemplified by countless examples of generosity and solidarity and including calls from the private sector to support those affected by the crisis.

4. Providing messaging consistent with medical advice and ensuring that harmful misinformation is quickly countered

Modern technology and social media have the capacity to inform – or misinform – billions of people in an instant. It is therefore vital that we follow the guidance of experts who provide accurate information, based on data and science, on how best to behave in a crisis. The World Health Organisation has been clear in its recommendations since the beginning of the outbreak. Yet conflicting messages have been sent, whether from a place of false hope or even self-interest. Moreover, decisions taken by leaders must be clear and evidence-based in order to have the greatest impact.

5. Encouraging appropriate individual action

Each of us must assume our share of responsibility for the wellbeing of the whole and follow the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, national, and local authorities regarding hygiene and physical distancing. Actions consistent with this guidance must be encouraged through clear communication, modeling appropriate behavior, and other approaches.

Crisis leads to opportunity.

Despite the disruption and suffering caused by COVID-19, we are provided with a rare opportunity to develop case studies, lessons learned and policy guidelines on the risk management of the pandemic and share them globally. It also will lead us to revisit much that underpins our modern world – from governance, investment, production and consumption, to our relationship with nature and each other, placing risk reduction at its heart.

By learning from this moment in time and applying long-term prevention and risk reduction approaches now and in the future, we will not only be better prepared and help save lives, but also avoid future crises and set us on a path towards sustainable development and greater resilience.

This statement was originally published on the UNDRR website.