Escaping the Fragility Trap: Effective Approaches to Sustainable Development in Fragile Contexts

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With just twelve years left to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals, development experts are sounding the alarm that those living in fragile contexts remain the furthest behind. In addition, because fragility tends to magnify the impacts of natural disasters, these and other crises can affect more people for much longer than in areas where there is greater resilience.

While progress has been made, the fragility trap remains all too real. As Bill and Melinda Gates have noted, more than a billion people overcame poverty in the last 25 years. And yet, the number of people in extreme poverty is projected to stagnate at over 500 million, and may even reverse course.

The OECD States of Fragility 2018 report lays bare how causes and consequences of fragility are intricately linked – from violent extremism and famine, to conflict and forced displacement. According to Mercy Corps, “the world is experiencing a 25-year peak in violence” which has reversed some hard-won development gains and increased fragility in many places.

Effective intervention in such contexts requires balancing short and long-term goals. Working with local governments to increase education and economic opportunities is critical. At the same time, development must also focus on peace building, civilian protection and access to justice to counter conflict and violent extremism, both of which arise from and exacerbate existing challenges.

Join us for a panel discussion about how to nurture greater resilience in fragile states.