How Should Resilience Be Anchored in Development Foundations, Asserts PM Modi's Principal Secretary?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant announcement, P.K. Mishra, PM Modi's Principal Secretary, welcomed the African Union to the CDRI, highlighting the indispensable need for resilience in development. This move underscores a collective commitment to disaster risk reduction and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The African Union has joined the CDRI, emphasizing resilience in development.
- 54 member nations advocate for integrating resilience into infrastructure.
- The CDRI focuses on global collaboration for disaster risk reduction.
- Critical funding for 53 projects has been announced to enhance infrastructure resilience.
- Coastal resilience is now a global priority due to economic and population factors.
Nice (France), June 7 (NationPress) In an encouraging announcement, P.K. Mishra, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed the African Union as a new member of the New Delhi-based Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He emphasized that resilience should be a fundamental aspect of development.
As the Co-Chair of the CDRI, Mishra addressed member nations and organizations during the Seventh International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which took place on the sidelines of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice. He proclaimed the African Union Commission as the latest addition to the coalition.
Mishra commended the 54 members that have joined the CDRI, all united by the belief that resilience should be “integrated into the very foundations of development.”
This week, the African Union Commission conducted a regional consultation in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on Africa's collective stance for disaster risk reduction.
Held alongside the Global Platform 2025 for disaster risk reduction, this event gathered high-level delegations from African Union member states, regional economic communities, and significant development partners to collaboratively enhance Africa’s position ahead of the Global Platform's high-level segment.
The CDRI is a worldwide coalition aimed at improving the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster-related risks. Comprising 46 member countries and eight partner organizations, it includes governments, international entities, and businesses working together to exchange knowledge, conduct research, and invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Members gain access to global expertise, funding, technical support, research opportunities, innovative solutions, and international best practices.
During the event, CDRI Director General Amit Prothi stated: “Coastal resilience is essential for safeguarding lives and economies. ICDRI 2025 brings together global voices to drive action for vulnerable coastal communities and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Our IRIS program is currently supporting 24 projects across 25 SIDS, promoting sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development.”
He emphasized that the 54-member global coalition has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure throughout Africa.
Additional announcements included the granting of research funding for 53 projects covering 21 countries and a call to action for enhancing infrastructure resilience in small island nations, highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration and investment.
With nearly 37 percent of the global population living within 100 km of the coast—contributing about $1.5 trillion to the global GDP—and 90 percent of global goods being transported by sea, strengthening coastal resilience is now a worldwide priority.
(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Point of View
It is crucial to view the CDRI's expansion with the African Union as a strategic move to enhance international collaboration on disaster resilience. This initiative not only strengthens our commitment to global development but also aligns with our national goals of sustainable infrastructure and risk reduction.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDRI?
The CDRI, or Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, is a global coalition aimed at enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks.
Why is resilience important in development?
Resilience is vital in development as it ensures that infrastructure can withstand and recover from disasters, ultimately protecting lives and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Who are the members of the CDRI?
The CDRI consists of 46 member countries and eight partner organizations, including national governments, international organizations, and businesses committed to disaster resilience.
What role does the African Union play in the CDRI?
The African Union, now a new member of the CDRI, plays a crucial role in advocating for disaster risk reduction and enhancing resilience across its member states.
How does the CDRI support its members?
The CDRI supports its members by providing access to global expertise, funding, technical support, research opportunities, and innovative solutions for disaster-resilient infrastructure.
