The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) is an annual event led by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), conducted in alliance with member nations, organizations, and institutions. The aim is to bolster the worldwide discourse on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure. Recently, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted its significance at the 5th ICDRI in 2023.
ICDRI 2023 Highlights
At ICDRI 2023, India’s Prime Minister emphasized that as the nation leading the G20 group, the CDRI would have a presence in many crucial discussions. This implies the solutions debated in the CDRI will be regarded at the top tiers of global policy creation.
Understanding CDRI
The CDRI, an independent international organization, is made up of a global partnership of national governments, United Nations agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, along with academic and research institutions. Launched in 2019 at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, CDRI aims to bolster the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, contributing towards sustainable development. Its Secretariat is based in New Delhi, India and it marks India’s second primary global initiative following the International Solar Alliance (ISA). As of now, CDRI has 31 countries, 6 international organisations and 2 private sector organisations as members.
CDRI’s Significance for India
India views CDRI as an opportunity to emerge as a global spearhead in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience. While it does contribute to India’s soft power, its implications extend beyond mere economics. The synergy offered by CDRI between disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Climate Accord results in sustainable and inclusive growth.
CDRI’s Key Initiatives
One of the significant initiatives launched by India as part of CDRI is the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS). This initiative focuses on enhancing capacity, initiating pilot projects, specifically in Small Island Developing States or SIDS, which are most vulnerable to climate change. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will create a special data window for these states to provide them with relevant and timely information about cyclones, coral-reef monitoring, and coastline monitoring through satellite imagery.
The Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), The Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund aims to increase the resilience of infrastructure systems to disasters. It has a particular focus on aiding developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The fund is managed by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN MPTFO).