Context:
Recently, The Prime Minister addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Relevance:
GS III: Disaster Management
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is ICDRI?
- Meeting Highlights
- What is CDRI?
About ICDRI
- ICDRI is the annual international conference of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), held in partnership with member countries, organizations, and institutions to enhance the global conversation on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Meeting Highlights
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Growth
- Prime Minister highlighted the impressive growth of CDRI, which now includes 39 countries and 7 organizations, emphasizing its global reach and significance.
Impact of Natural Disasters
- PM Modi emphasized the devastating human impact of natural disasters beyond monetary evaluation.
- Mentioned earthquakes causing homelessness, disruptions to water and sewage systems endangering public health, and potential risks to energy plants.
Importance of Resilient Infrastructure
- Emphasized the need to invest in resilient infrastructure for a better future.
- Advocated for integrating resilience in new infrastructure and post-disaster rebuilding.
Shared Resilience in a Global Context
- Highlighted the interconnected nature of global disasters and the need for individual country resilience for collective global resilience.
- Stressed the role of CDRI and the conference in fostering shared resilience.
Support for Vulnerable Regions
- Referred to CDRI’s program funding projects in 13 Small Island Developing States at high risk of disasters.
- Cited examples of resilient housing in Dominica, transport networks in Papua New Guinea, and early warning systems in the Dominican Republic and Fiji.
Future Initiatives
- Recalled the formation of a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during India’s G20 Presidency, focusing on financing discussions.
- Expressed confidence in the fruitful deliberations at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) over the next two days.
What is CDRI?
- CDRI is an independent international organization comprising a global partnership of national governments, United Nations agencies and programs, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and academic and research institutions.
- Its objective is to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, ensuring sustainable development.
- CDRI was launched in 2019 at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York and is India’s second major global initiative after the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- The CDRI Secretariat is located in New Delhi, India.
Membership
- Since its establishment, 31 countries, 6 international organizations, and 2 private sector organizations have joined CDRI as members.
Significance for India
- CDRI provides a platform for India to establish itself as a global leader in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience.
- It enhances India’s soft power and has broader implications beyond economics, as the synergy between disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Climate Accord paves the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.
