Systemic risk management and recovery pathways: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African Development Community
Sparkes, Edward, Manyuchi, Albert, Kita, Stern, Cotti, Davide, Nkemakonam, Naomi Ukatu, Pfeiffer, Samira, Werners, Saskia E., Gina, Sithembiso, Banda, Alex, Dlamini, Nana and Hagenlocher, Michael (2023). Systemic risk management and recovery pathways: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African Development Community. United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security.
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Sub-type Research report Author Sparkes, Edward
Manyuchi, Albert
Kita, Stern
Cotti, Davide
Nkemakonam, Naomi Ukatu
Pfeiffer, Samira
Werners, Saskia E.
Gina, Sithembiso
Banda, Alex
Dlamini, Nana
Hagenlocher, MichaelTitle Systemic risk management and recovery pathways: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African Development Community Publication Date 2023-11 Place of Publication Bonn Publisher United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security Pages 70 Language eng Abstract In the face of our rapidly changing world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unparalleled shock event which has disrupted societies and economies across the globe. The pandemic has shown that hazards and shocks do not occur in silos, stop at national borders, or impact one sector alone, emphasizing the systemic nature of risks. In many regions, including in the Southern African Development Community, vulnerable communities have had to grapple with COVID-19, the climate crisis and pre-existing poverty simultaneously. The pandemic has dealt a substantial blow to the region's shared vision to eradicate poverty, improve socioeconomic well-being and standards of living and develop in a sustainable and equitable way. However, the COVID-19 crisis holds the potential to transform how risks and disasters are managed. Individuals, communities and countries across the region have shown adaptability, resilience and cooperation in the face of this unprecedented challenge, and lessons can be learned from the pandemic to be better able to prepare for, respond to and recover from future disasters. This report focuses on systemic risks and lessons for risk management and recovery in the Southern African Development Community. Examining case studies in the Republics of Malawi and South Africa, this report provides an understanding of how the pandemic and concurrent hazards have exacerbated risks in specific contexts, and provides recommendations, validated by SADC member states, to strengthen systemic disaster risk management and recovery in the region. The report puts forward six key lessons for strengthening systemic resilience. These include understanding the systemic nature of risks, strengthening equality and gender considerations, supporting the resilience of the informal sector, protecting education from disasters, fostering cross-border collaboration, and recovering systemically to catalyze positive change. Implementing these lessons would strengthen systemic resilience and support member states and other countries to recover from COVID-19 in a more equitable and resilient way. As we navigate the complexities of risks in an interconnected world, it is our hope that the insights presented here will inform and guide policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to create a more resilient and equitable future for the Southern African Development Community. Keyword Systemic risks
Systemic risk management
Risk management and recovery pathways
multi-hazard
Southern African Development CommunityCopyright Holder United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security Copyright Year 2023 Copyright type Creative commons -
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