High-quality connectivity for a post-COVID world

As countries set off down the path towards post-pandemic recovery, many are taking a fresh look at how their connectivity strategies can aid in achieving a sustainable long-term transformation. Crucial to the attainment of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), high-quality infrastructure has spill-over effects that contribute to achieving gender equality, sustainability and inclusive growth. Faster rail routes, broader energy networks and better access to vital resources remain invaluable in advancing international development across Eurasia – and increasingly across Afro-Eurasia. But not all projects underway have lived up to their clean, green potential. And despite the obvious demand for high-quality infrastructure, financing has long been insufficient. As the pandemic’s spread grinds much progress to a halt, this could be an opportunity to redouble efforts to ensure that infrastructure projects are sustainable and in line with climate goals.

• Could this be an opportunity to overhaul projects that fail to meet certain sustainability standards?
• How can the private sector be incentivised to invest in infrastructure development, and has response to the pandemic brought about any new financial instruments that can be employed? What about the idea of debt forgiveness for less developed nations?
• Should connectivity actors use this moment to negotiate a multilateral code of conduct to ensure that they are all on the same page?