Prime Minister Modi spoke at the 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, highlighting the fact that disasters are no longer just local issues in today’s interconnected world. He stressed the importance of cooperation during disasters and suggested that instead of being isolated, responses need to be integrated. The conference was sponsored by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which was launched by Modi at the UN Climate Action Conference in New York in September 2019. The CDRI is a global alliance of governments, the UN, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academia, among others. It aims to develop infrastructure that is resilient to climate and catastrophe risks. More than 40 nations have already joined the CDRI, and many more are expected to join in the future.
Modi also emphasized the importance of infrastructure that is both durable and rewarding, covering social, digital, and transportation infrastructure. He stressed the need for resilience, stating that any country can be vulnerable to natural disasters, and the best course of action is to learn from past disasters. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing cutting-edge technologies for disaster risk reduction and strengthening urban local government entities that serve as reaction forces. The CDRI has established itself as a significant platform for developing disaster-resilient infrastructure worldwide.
