Report Launch: A Global Assessment of Building Codes by World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank

As global urbanization accelerates, with nearly 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the built environment is under increasing pressure. To mitigate damage and disruption from these recurring challenges, buildings must be designed and constructed to withstand both sudden-onset and chronic hazards, while adhering to essential standards for structural safety, sustainability, and accessibility.  

Hosted by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this event will launch the new report “A Global Assessment of Building Codes: Current Status and Evolving Needs to Promote Resilient, Green, and Inclusive Buildings”. Developed by the World Bank and IDB, with support from the Government of Japan, the report examines building codes and compliance in 22 countries. This global study builds on a previous regional study focused on Sub-Saharan Africa and complements the IDB’s 2024 report “Resilience and Sustainability in Building Codes in Latin America and the Caribbean”, which identified key gaps and opportunities for progress in the region.

How can building codes help create safer, greener, and more inclusive buildings and address climate risks in fast-growing cities? This session will bring together global and regional experts to share practical experiences and policy insights, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean such as Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru, and showcase examples of how stronger regulatory frameworks and better capacity can drive results. The session will conclude with a discussion on ways to strengthen regional collaboration and advance building code development and implementation.

Program:

•         Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

•         Time:   10:00 – 11:30 (D.C time) 90 min 

•         Modality: Hybrid | room MC 8-140 | 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20433

•         Simultaneous interpretation available in English and Spanish

Resources:

Knowledge Reports:

• A Global Assessment of Building Codes
• Building Regulations in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tools:
• Building Regulatory Capacity Assessment 2.0
• Building Code Checklist for Structural Resilience
• Building Code Checklist for Fire Safety
• Building Code Checklist for Green Building
• Building Code Checklist for Universal Accessibility

Feature story:
• Stronger Building Codes for a Safer, More Resilient Future