Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationDevelopment, Impact & Global Frameworks
Build back better
Definition
A guiding principle of post-disaster recovery, formalised as Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (adopted 18 March 2015): "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction means using the post-disaster phase to enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability and address the risk drivers that made the disaster damaging in the first place.
References
Sendai Framework adoption (18 March 2015, 2015–2030); Priority 4 "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Overview
What it means
The principle holds that disasters destroy not only assets but also expose the failures that created risk — poor land use, substandard construction, inequitable exposure. Rebuilding identically recreates the risk; recovery is instead treated as a one-time opportunity to relocate, retrofit, strengthen codes and rectify inequities.
The concept has broadened beyond disaster risk into general policy rhetoric (including post-pandemic "building back better" and green-recovery programmes), diluting but also diffusing the core idea.
How it is used
Recovery frameworks, post-disaster needs assessments and reconstruction financing adopt BBB criteria — resilient infrastructure standards, risk-informed land-use plans, inclusive recovery governance. UNDRR guidance operationalises it; critics track where "better" remained rhetorical.
Why it matters
Recovery windows decide future disaster losses; BBB is the internationally agreed doctrine for ensuring reconstruction reduces rather than recreates risk — central to climate adaptation as disasters intensify.