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The Future of Asian and Pacific Cities: Transformative pathways towards sustainable urban development in the post COVID-19 era [Discussion Paper]
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The Future of Asian and Pacific Cities: Transformative pathways towards sustainable urban development in the post COVID-19 era [Discussion Paper]

Jens Aerts, Adele Vosper, Gregor Helmut Mews, Giselle Sebag and Mitchell Cook
United Nations: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
2020
Appears in  COVID-19 Research
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Research Statement 99625340602621139.06 kBDownloadView
Research Statement (supplemental) Open Access
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https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/knowledge-products/The%20Future%20of%20Asian%20%26%20Pacific%20Cities_FINAL%2827%20Jan%2021%29.pdfView
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Abstract

Public health urban health cities pandemic COVID-19 build back better resilience climate change impact
Cities in the Asia-Pacific region have been heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hyperconnected in a global web of urban networks, cities in the region have been the first hotspots. Although its impact was unprecedented, the disease was not unexpected, as similar contagious respiratory illnesses have previously occurred in the region. At the same time, unsustainable urbanization in the region, magnified by climate change, is a significant contributing factor to the emergence of new and more frequent zoonotic diseases. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban dwellers has placed a focus on the spatial and socioeconomic aspects of cities. In addition, the crises not only demands attention for infectious diseases, but also for the serious increase of non-communicable diseases., often called the invisible pandemic, that are related to unhealthy environments and explain the more serious complications among COVID-19 victims. The various cycles of lockdowns and containments also have increased mental health issues among all generations. All these facts help to raise awareness that there is a need not just to look beyond the immediate COVID-19 response and economic recovery in the short term, but also to invest in sustainable urban development that strengthens health systems and urban resilience. Research Background The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for cities to address health inequities and bolster resilience through strategic, multisectoral collaboration and investment. Unlike natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic has not caused physical destruction but has starkly revealed gaps in pandemic preparedness and pervasive health disparities within and among cities worldwide. This crisis presents a unique opportunity to "build back better" by directing recovery strategies towards vulnerable populations and reevaluating pre-pandemic urban resilience approaches in public health. Research Contribution In the Asia Pacific region, cities must ensure recovery strategies go beyond disaster response to include sustainable investments in environmental protection, social welfare, and robust data infrastructure. Adopting a multisectoral urban health approach catalysed by COVID-19 involves integrating urban and territorial planning as spatial vaccines, promoting population health for urban resilience, bridging health disparities through technology, and financing urban health initiatives and economies. The UN commissioned a research report co-authored with experts Jens Aerts from UNICEF, Adele Vosper from Health Focus GmbH, Giselle Sebag from the International Society of Urban Health, and Mitchell Cook from MIT, which encompassed extensive research, workshops, and the final report. Research Significance Addressing the profound economic repercussions of the pandemic reinforces the case for tackling underlying health determinants to enhance urban resilience and their adaptive capacities. Emphasising integrated and cost-effective investments promises a more equitable and prepared future for urban health, leveraging the pandemic as a pivotal moment for transformative change across the Asia-Pactific region.

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