The COVID-19 pandemic has given us a stark reminder that business as usual is not a viable path for a safe planetary future. The pandemic has exposed the fragility of economic, ecological, and social systems, reinforcing the urgent need to repair, rethink, and invest. Cultivating an equitable COVID-19 recovery, along with decent jobs, sustainable health systems, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and a pollutionfree planet would initially appear to be a daunting and costly task for countries at present. However, this confluence of challenges presents a window to fundamentally transform how our societies and economies work.
Sustainable infrastructurea is a common, powerful thread that weaves together these critical global priorities. Needs based investment in strategically planned sustainable infrastructure can invigorate economies, accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enhance climate action, increase biodiversity protection, and reduce pollution. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that USD 6.9 trillion per year is needed up to 2050 for investment in infrastructure to meet development goals and create a low carbon, climate resilient future. Sustainable infrastructure is and will remain essential to building robust, inclusive, and green economies.