Session Overview

Infrastructure investments have been considered a critical portfolio by numerous governments across the world for post-pandemic economic revitalization. Additionally, the infrastructure investment gaps in developing economies due to rapid urbanization have drawn increased attention toward privately financed public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other less traditional approaches to enhance and improve infrastructure delivery. With new infrastructure financing and delivery mechanisms and the involvement of the private sector in these mechanisms, questions are emerging as to how private providers can help address public-sector concerns like infrastructure protection and resilience.

Investing in resilient and sustainable infrastructure is crucial for addressing the challenges of climate change, natural disasters, and sustainable development. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)have emerged as an important financing mechanism for mobilizing resources and expertise from both the public and private sectors. This session aims to explore the role of PPPs in financing resilient and sustainable infrastructure and to facilitate a discussion among key stakeholders on best practices, challenges, and opportunities.

Session Objective

1. To examine the potential of PPPs in financing resilient and sustainable infrastructure projects.
2. To highlight successful case studies and best practices in implementing PPPs for infrastructure development.
3. To identify challenges and opportunities in utilizing PPPs for resilient and sustainable infrastructure financing.
4. To explore strategies for enhancing collaboration between public and private sectors in PPP initiatives.
5. To discuss policy and regulatory frameworks that can facilitate the effective implementation of PPPs for resilient infrastructure.

Guiding Questions

• Which notable resilient infrastructure projects implemented in Australia could serve as models for replication in developing nations?
• India, with a vision of a USD 1.5 trillion national infrastructure pipeline by 2025, has encountered recurrent and severe natural hazard challenges such as flooding, landslides, and cyclones, resulting in substantial infrastructure damage. What immediate modifications would the Indian government desire in project contracts and governance to ensure that forthcoming infrastructure is resilient against these calamitous shocks?
• Financial institutions and Development banks play a critical role in helping build the creditworthiness of infrastructure projects and crowd in private sector finance in them. What are some of the bottlenecks in adapting resilience measures in such projects? Please share a few examples of successful projects.
• What obstacles might arise during the incorporation of resilience measures in the planning and design stages of infrastructure development, hindering the creation of forward-looking and sustainable infrastructure?