Enhance infrastructure resilience

Supporting governments and other stakeholders in identifying infrastructure vulnerabilities and implementing resilience-building solutions

Our society is heavily dependent on the effective and efficient operation of critical infrastructure systems, such as energy and water, to deliver public services, enrich living standards, and stimulate economic growth.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction aims at substantially reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, while Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) requires building resilient infrastructure.

Yet, the current approach to designing and building infrastructure does not sufficiently integrate disaster risk reduction at a time when risks are rising and becoming more complex. 

To address these issues, UNDRR focuses on the following areas:

Supporting countries with the development of strategies that integrate resilience in decision-making and improve management of infrastructure assets and services;
Assisting governments in strengthening their national and local regulatory frameworks around infrastructure to incorporate resilience measures;
Monitoring and measuring the vulnerability, sensitivity, inter-dependency and exposure to disaster risks of infrastructure systems in order to prioritize actions; and,
Accelerating financing for resilient infrastructure by helping countries improve the effectiveness of public spending and mobilize risk-informed private investment.

At the country level, this work involves UNDRR conducting workshops and providing technical assistance to many governments while building on the tools and guidance developed in collaboration with renowned experts and international partners, such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Guidance and technical resources

Global methodology for infrastructure resilience review

This methodology, developed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), aims to support countries in assessing the current state of infrastructure resilience, so that areas of improvement are identified, and actions taken. This global approach helps to establish a common understanding of DRR policies, regulations and processes.

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Principles for resilient infrastructure

The Principles for Resilient Infrastructure have been developed in consultation with 100+ countries and a wide range of stakeholders. These principles set an understanding of what “resilient infrastructure” constitutes; form the basis for planning and implementation of infrastructure projects that take resilience as a core value; and assist the public and private sectors in making risk-informed policy and investment decisions

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Handbook for implementing the principles for resilient infrastructure

The Handbook translate the Principles into specific guidance tailored to different stakeholder groups (e.g., policymakers, infrastructure regulators, investors, designers, contractors, civil society, etc.). It also includes key performance indicators. As such, the Handbook provides a framework by which countries can benchmark their own performance in terms of infrastructure resilience policies and practices.

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Infrastructure stress testing

Stress testing exercises should become a common practice and account for a ‘system’ approach. In this context, UNDRR has developed a tool for users to assess infrastructure vulnerabilities and better understand the inter-dependencies and linkages between infrastructure assets and systems.

Real-Estate resilience tool

Developed in partnership with the private sector, the Tool will assist with strategic decision-making that drives greater resilience in business operations and assets. It is considered an advocacy tool to achieve change in the real estate sector and its industry practices at various stages.