BUILDING SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FUTURES POST COVID-19 TOGETHER
As the world mobilizes to mitigate the effects of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Millennium Institute is working with development partners to support national authorities in examining policy measures that mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and plan for its aftermath
The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting societies in ways that were unimaginable just a few months ago. Health and food systems are under great stress, and in some cases failing. Many governments have restricted movement within their countries and shut down national borders. Economic activity has severely slowed down, resulting in lost jobs and wages–with the already vulnerable population disproportionately impacted.
A likely consequence of a prolonged global economic slowdown is a halt or reversal of progress made on sustainable development efforts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In response to the crisis, many countries have announced fiscal stimulus plans to shore up businesses and provide income to individuals and households. Indeed, containing the pandemic and mitigating its immediate social and economic effect is an urgent priority. But we must also plan for a post-COVID future that reflects lessons learned on preparedness, resilience and need for more equity.
Key questions are being raised:
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What are the longer-term impacts and consequences of the pandemic on our lives and our societies?
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What are the effective and cost efficient solutions we should adopt to increase the resilience of our social and economic systems to future shocks, and protect our finite environmental resources?
These are some of the issues policymakers in government and the international community must also confront as part of a holistic response to this crisis and to avoid a repeat in the future.
Millennium Institute is helping governments to look at the whole-of-society impacts of the pandemic in the short and long term, and to develop and test (with scenarios) customized policy responses that mitigate its negative impacts, support rapid recovery, and enhance resilience to future shocks.
At MI, we believe this crisis is an opportunity to address systemic issues that have worsened the impact of the coronavirus and to put in place policy responses that enhance our resilience to future shocks and foster inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic development. Business as usual is not an option.
For more information and to partner with us in this effort or benefit from our technical services, contact us. You can also support this effort through a donation.