The nature of crises has been transformed significantly in recent years. Shocks have become more intense, widespread, and interlinked. Extreme weather events happen with increasing frequency and ferocity; economic, financial, social, and health shocks quickly spread around the world; conflict and insecurity are a daily reality for millions. The combined effect of more numerous and more powerful shocks, denser interconnections, and existing shortfalls creates a daunting challenge to social development in countries, already struggling to make significant progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.