The world is experiencing an unprecedented moment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. For us at the International Resource Panel (IRP) it is also a moment to reflect. This document provides policy recommendations extracted from IRP research over the past 10 years to drive a resource smart recovery, generating socio-economic value while safeguarding the environment. As expressed by Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “strong and global stewardship of nature and biodiversity; and a clear commitment to “building back better”, creating green jobs and facilitating the transition to a carbon neutral future”, are key elements for building resilient societies after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) and the Paris Agreement on climate change remain our roadmap.