Cities turning crisis into change: Post-pandemic pathways to resilience in complex times

Abstract

Cities are pivotal hubs for the world’s population, economic activity, and cultural exchange, yet their advantages – such as density and interconnectedness – can be sources of vulnerability to crises ranging from natural disasters to economic shocks and pandemics. This report draws lessons from recent crises to provide a strategic framework for urban policymakers to bolster resilience against future shocks, including by promoting sustainability and driving inclusive growth.

The report underscores the importance of resilience for cities to absorb, recover from, and adjust positively to shocks while adapting to long-term transitions. Given the spatial concentration of people, firms, and infrastructure in cities, a systemic approach is needed to manage crises where a disturbance in one sector can cascade through others, amplifying the overall impact.

Throughout history, natural disasters, wars, health crises, demographic shifts, technological evolution, and macroeconomic change have served as challenges and catalysts to transform urban design, industry, transport, public and social services, and other policy areas. When cities show multifaceted resilience through proactive planning, investment, and innovation, they sustain their role as engines of growth, protect their populations, and safeguard critical infrastructure in the face of increasingly complex and interconnected risks.