Navigating Resilient Post-Disaster Recovery in Asia and the Pacific, a new book published by ADBI Press, addressed the importance of resilient recovery in the aftermath of disasters, emphasizing the Asia and Pacific region while holding global relevance. It explored the complex process of post-disaster reconstruction, drawing from various expert analyses and real-world case studies to offer actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and academics.

Using global experiences and in-depth research, the edited volume conveyed four key messages. First, it underscored the importance of identifying capability losses and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups to foster a people-centric recovery approach. Second, it advocated for robust community participation, emphasizing the value of local and indigenous knowledge in shaping reconstruction efforts. Third, it highlighted the need for timely and adequate finance to ensure a well-structured and effective recovery process. Finally, it stressed the crucial role of data and technology in facilitating informed decision-making and accelerating recovery efforts.

The book launch event commenced with opening remarks from ADBI Dean Tetsushi Sonobe and a keynote speech from Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the Coordination Office of the G20 Initiative on Land, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), focusing on disaster resilience. The discussions continued with explanations from the book’s editors and a Q&A session with some of the chapters’ authors. The event concluded with closing remarks and future steps from ADBI senior consulting specialist KE Seetha Ram.