This report, by International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), emphasizes embedding inclusivity across the infrastructure lifecycle to address climate risks and social inequities. It aligns with global frameworks like the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework, advocating for policies, design standards, and operations that prioritize vulnerable groups.
The report showcases over 40 case studies worldwide, including hospital upgrades in Kiribati, inclusive school reconstruction in Nepal, and trail bridges in Rwanda, demonstrating how GEDSI integration improves resilience, access, and equity.
Key strategies include participatory planning, universal design, gender-responsive budgeting, and accessibility audits. By mainstreaming GEDSI, infrastructure can reduce vulnerability, accelerate recovery, and foster sustainable development. These initiatives have already enhanced resilience for over 36 million people globally, proving that inclusive, climate-smart infrastructure is essential for equitable adaptation and long-term resilience.
Key points
- Climate-resilient infrastructure must embed gender, disability, and social inclusion.
- Inclusive design reduces vulnerability and accelerates recovery after climate shocks.
- Lifecycle approach integrates GEDSI in planning, procurement, and operations stages.
- Participatory planning ensures diverse voices shape resilient infrastructure solutions.
- Over forty global case studies demonstrate scalable GEDSI integration strategies.
- Initiatives have strengthened resilience for more than thirty-six million people.




