Disaster Risk Reduction new dimensions: COVID-19 Preparedness at local level

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event in modern human history. It has exposed the vulnerabilities of our societies and its impacts go far beyond the health sector, hitting the world's most vulnerable the hardest. It is an example of systemic risk: when a hazard leads not only to negative effects in parts of the system but also threatens the failure of the entire system.

Globally, cities are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic against a backdrop of shocks, pressures, and growing vulnerabilities, all while attempting to prioritise justice, economy, and climate action as part of their recovery efforts. This is the opportunity for national and municipal governments to build back better and re-establish themselves as stronger, fairer, and more environmentally friendly than before.

This session is organized by the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) Regional Coordination Committee for Europe and Central Asia, a diverse group of stakeholders committed in driving MCR2030 in Europe and Central Asia. Its members include several UN Agencies, such as UNDRR, UNDP, UNECE, UN-Habitat and WHO, different cities’ networks and international organizations such as Resilient Cities Network, ICLEI, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well local government representatives from cities, such as Amadora, Paris and Greater Manchester.