The Union Cabinet has recently decided to categorize the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as an international institution. To understand the significance of this change, it is important to explore what the CDRI is, why it was created, and the extent of its reach on a global scale.
International Recognition for CDRI
By classifying the CDRI as an international organization, the Union Cabinet has further amplified its reach and impact. As per the decision, the CDRI is granted all exemptions, immunities, and privileges outlined in the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1947. This implies immunity for the assets and property of the member states, preventing any legal implications unless expressly waived by the organization.
Benefits of Categorization
Being recognized as an international organization will allow the CDRI to deploy experts to countries that are significantly vulnerable to disaster risk and require post-disaster recovery assistance. In addition, the CDRI can bring foreign experts to India for similar purposes. This collaboration will deliver technical expertise needed to develop resilient infrastructure, considering each country’s specific climate risks, resources, and required risk governance arrangements.
Moreover, the categorization will enable the CDRI to operate funds globally and receive contributions from other member countries. This financial support will contribute to the establishment of systems ensuring disaster and climate resilience, meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction requirements.
About the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
The CDRI is a global partnership formed by national governments, United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, private sectors, and research institutions. Its core aim is to increase the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks, thus promoting sustainable development. Launched in 2019 at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, the CDRI is the Indian Government’s second global initiative following the International Solar Alliance.
Members of CDRI
Since it began, 31 countries, six international organizations, and two private sector organizations have joined the CDRI. The international organizations include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), European Union, and European Investment Bank. The two private sector organizations are the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies and Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment. With this diverse range of membership, the CDRI continues to attract a mixed group of economically developed, developing, and vulnerable countries.
Relevant Reference to UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the context of the UPSC Civil Services Examination conducted in 2016, a question regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was posed. These goals, adopted in 2015 and effective since January 2016, aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. These goals are interconnected, with each goal’s success potentially impacting several others. However, it was clarified that the SDGs were born at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, contrary to the question’s statement that the SDGs were proposed in 1972 by the ‘Club of Rome’, therefore rendering that statement incorrect.
