With an estimated 90 percent of all reported COVID-19 cases, urban areas have become the epicentre of the pandemic. The size of their populations and their high level of global and local interconnectivity make them particularly vulnerable to the spread of the virus. On the other hand, there is no evidence to suggest that density, per se, correlates to higher virus transmission. Cities can manage this crisis and emerge as the hubs of energy, resilience, and innovation that make them such vibrant and appealing places for many to live. But this will take conscious policy choices, as this policy brief shows, particularly with respect to inequalities, local capacities, and a green, inclusive recovery.
Addressing COVID-19 in an increasingly urbanised world requires a focus on how urbanisation shapes impacts, responses, and longer-term recovery. Responses that are siloed or shortsighted, focusing on quick fixes, could worsen and entrench impacts laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, many of the short-term response measures will need to be maintained for some time, even when the initial outbreak appears to have been contained, given the risk of secondary waves of infections. Long-term policy choices by national, regional, and local governments are needed to build our resilience against future pandemics, including climatic and economic hazards and shocks, while safeguarding human rights, sustaining peace, and strengthening our ability to achieve the SDGs.
Realising these potential gains will require intensified commitments and action in three key areas:
1) Tackling inequalities and development deficits;
2) Strengthening the capacities of local actors, particularly local governments; and
3) Pursuing a resilient, inclusive, gender-equal, and green economic recovery.