SINGAPORE - Cities need to build infrastructure not only to withstand climate change and pandemics, but also to reduce inequality and strengthen society's resilience, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah. This is because it is the more vulnerable who often bear the brunt of disruptions and shocks, she said. Infrastructure investments are also critical to providing basic needs, and are a key driver of economic recovery and long-term growth. She was speaking at the World Cities Summit on Monday (June 21) on the topic, "Investing in a sustainable and equitable recovery". The biennial summit, held virtually this year because of Covid-19, brings together government leaders and industry to address urban challenges and share solutions. It ends on Wednesday. Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development, said that around the world, those hardest hit by Covid-19 live in cramped conditions with inadequate sanitation, which worsened the spread of the virus. Urban infrastructure and systems such as public transport, healthcare, parks and recreational amenities, as well as digital and Internet access, are examples of basic infrastructure th...