Sustainable Infrastructure

It is widely recognized that infrastructure is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The OECD has estimated that US$ 6.9 trillion needs to be invested in infrastructure every year to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The EMG responded to this clear global priority in 2020 by establishing a Consultative Process on Sustainable Infrastructure. The Process seeks to strengthen the coordination of UN-system support to Member States in this area of work. It is led by UNEP, and its Terms of Reference can be found here; the year two supplement is available here.

The Consultative Process has produced the report International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure (2nd edition). This report is designed to serve as a UN-wide normative framework that policymakers can follow to help integrate sustainability into infrastructure planning and delivery. The updated 2nd edition reflects inputs and endorsement by EMG members through the Consultative Process. The Principles are referred to in a UNEA 5 resolution on Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (UNEP/EA.5/Res.9), which encourages Member States and other stakeholders to consider integrating and implementing them into national policies.

The Principles are also complemented by the Sustainable Infrastructure Tool Navigator Platform and the ongoing development of case studies.

Year two of the Consultative Process focuses on implementation and investment issues for sustainable infrastructure and the Principles:

• The EMG is organizing a Nexus Dialogue on Investing in Natural Infrastructure to explore policy and financing mechanisms for scaling up investments in natural infrastructure.
• UNU-FLORES is conducting a Barrier Analysis in collaboration with UNEP to identify barriers, and solutions to overcome them, in a country context. The study is being carried out in Chile, working closely with Chile’s Ministry of Public Works as a pilot for this approach.