The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI), held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, commenced on April 24th. It serves as a pivotal two-day gathering, bringing together global stakeholders including governments, infrastructure entities, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and the media. The conference, organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, boasts 46 member nations.
The theme of ICDRI 2024, “Investing today for a more resilient tomorrow,” underscores the imperative of proactive investment in robust infrastructure to mitigate the escalating risks posed by disasters.
What PM Modi emphasised
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurating the event virtually, emphasised the human impact of infrastructure damage caused by disasters, underscoring the significance of CDRI’s endeavors. He lauded CDRI’s rapid growth and its initiatives supporting resilient infrastructure development, particularly across Small Island Developing States.
Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, stressed the critical role of ICDRI as a global platform for fostering solutions-driven dialogue amid escalating disaster challenges. The event serves as a nexus for global experts to exchange insights and commit to actionable strategies.
Aurélien Lechevallier, representing France as CDRI’s co-chair, highlighted the pivotal role of resilient infrastructure in climate change adaptation. He emphasised the importance of proactive investment in infrastructure to preemptively safeguard vulnerable communities from disaster disruptions.
India and the United States, as co-chairs of CDRI from 2022 to 2024, collaborated closely to fortify global infrastructure resilience. With the United States transitioning its co-chairship to France, a continued commitment to CDRI’s mission is anticipated.
Established in 2019 by India, CDRI serves as a pioneering global climate initiative, fostering collaboration among governments, multilateral agencies, the private sector, and academia. India, as the permanent co-chair of CDRI, has played a pivotal role in its growth and initiatives, represented by esteemed officials such as Dr. P. K. Mishra and Mr. Kamal Kishore.
CDRI witnessed exponential growth
CDRI’s exponential growth over the past two years has been marked by the formulation of a strategic roadmap and a significant expansion of its membership. Its 46 members, comprising nations, multilateral organisations, and private sector associations, are committed to enhancing infrastructure resilience worldwide.
India and the United States have championed initiatives to bolster infrastructure financing and workforce readiness. The release of the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI) exemplifies CDRI’s commitment to predictive risk assessment and strategic resilience planning.
CDRI’s initiatives such as the Infrastructure Resilience Academic eXchange (IRAX) and the Higher Education Partnership for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure underscore its dedication to fostering innovation and capacity-building.
An exemplar of CDRI’s impact is evident at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, where CDRI Fellows are spearheading advancements in flood management. Through initiatives like the Infrastructure Resilience Academic Exchange, they are harnessing technology and community engagement to enhance flood preparedness and response.
Kamal Kishore, Member Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority and CDRI Executive Committee India Co-chair, underscored the paramount importance of CDRI’s mission in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. The collaborative efforts between India and the United States have been instrumental in driving CDRI’s transformative initiatives and fostering global infrastructure resilience.