Resilient nations start with sustainable choices 

Natural disasters and health crises can significantly affect sustainable development by undermining economic growth and social progress. They are often addressed as separate challenges needing unique resilience strategies, but a team of researchers from Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah and Teesside University in the UK took a more unusual approach. They studied the relationship between achievement of the various United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and resilience to disasters and pandemics.  

The researchers used complex computer models to measure how SDGs influence each other and which ones need to be prioritized. They introduced the concept of “SDG-related risks”—the probability of failing to achieve a specific SDG—and analyzed how these risks affected a country’s ability to deal with natural disasters and health crises. But instead of looking at each of the 17 SDGs individually, the team took a broader approach.

“This study provides a strategy to inform resilience planning, offering both a warning and a way forward.”  

Mecit Simsekler

“The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the worst global economic downturn since the Second World War and showed just how closely connected all the SDGs are,” says Mecit Simsekler from Khalifa University. “It became harder to meet many SDGs—especially those related to hunger, clean water and energy—highlighting the urgent need to think more holistically.” 

The study found that coordinated efforts that tackle several challenges together would be beneficial, highlighting the need for integrated resilience strategies. In particular, weaknesses in areas such as quality education, sustainable urban development, poverty reduction and access to clean energy were strongly associated with increased risk of both natural disasters and health crises. Conversely, countries that performed well in goals related to environmental protection and strong institutions were better equipped to withstand shocks.  

Strengthening governance, building better healthcare systems and investing in innovation and more robust infrastructure can offer solutions to a range of global threats—from floods to pandemics. Disaster-prone countries typically struggled with good governance, urban planning and healthcare. These interconnected weaknesses were seen to limit a nation’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. In contrast, countries with low disaster risk often perform well in energy access, education and poverty alleviation. 

The study highlighted that SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy—was the strongest predictor of high pandemic risks. Countries with limited access to reliable energy are more likely to experience widespread disruptions during health crises.  

While the initial analysis is based on national data, the researchers suggest that the same approach could be applied at the city or regional level, enabling more targeted strategies. 

“As the world faces escalating risks from climate change, pandemics, and economic shocks, understanding how sustainability gaps affect countries’ vulnerability is more critical than ever. This study provides a strategy to inform resilience planning, offering both a warning and a way forward,” concludes Simsekler. 

Reference

Qazi, A.; Angell, L.C.; Simsekler, M.C.E.; Daghfous, A.; & Al-Mhdawi, M.K.S. (2025). Assessing the impact of sustainability risks on disaster and pandemic vulnerabilities: A global perspective. Global Transitions, 7, 159-174, 2025 | Article