Context:

Recently, the prime minister of India addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2024. 

More on the news:

• During India’s G20 Presidency, a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group was established.
  • The focus of this group was on financing disaster risk reduction efforts.
  • These efforts, combined with the growth of CDRI, will pave the way for a more resilient future.

About the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

• ICDRI is the flagship annual conference of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Objective: Its primary aim is to enhance global dialogue and collaboration on disaster and climate resilient infrastructure.

Highlights of ICDRI 2024

• Theme of 2024: ‘Investing today for a more resilient tomorrow.’ 
• He said that Disasters and their effects do not recognize borders and in today’s interconnected world, disasters and disruptions have far-reaching consequences.
• He highlighted the significance of Investing in resilient infrastructure for a better future.

About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

• CDRI is an independent international organization 
• It is a Platform for Collaboration where countries can share knowledge and resources.
• Objective:  To enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems against the impact of disasters.
• Establishment Date: CDRI was established in 2019 during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.
• • It is India’s second major global initiative after the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
    • Establishment of The International Solar Alliance (ISA):  2015 Paris climate change conference.
• Members: 39 countries and 7 organizations.
• CDRI’s programs fund projects in vulnerable regions, including resilient housing and enhanced early warning systems.

Significance for India:

• India on the World Stage :CDRI offers India an opportunity to establish itself as a leader in global climate action and disaster resilience efforts.
  • It enhances India’s soft power on the international stage.
• Greater Significance: The initiative holds significance beyond economic considerations as 
  • It aligns with broader goals such as disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and climate agreements.
    • This alignment promotes sustainable and inclusive growth for all.

Reason for Investment in Resilient Infrastructure

• Sustainable Development:  Investing in resilient infrastructure contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting long-term economic, social, and environmental well-being.
• Increased frequency and severity of natural disasters: Disasters cause immense damage to infrastructure, displacing people, disrupting essential services, and jeopardizing health and safety.
  • Thus, there is a need to invest in resilient infrastructure to reduce the severity of natural disasters. 
• Long-term impact beyond economic losses: Disasters have a devastating human cost, destroying homes, livelihoods, and disrupting communities. 
• Rebuilding infrastructure with resilience in mind can minimize this long-term suffering.
• Global interconnectedness: Disasters in one region can have cascading effects worldwide
  • Therefore, there is a need for collective efforts as a collective effort towards resilient infrastructure globally strengthens everyone’s preparedness.
• Protecting the most vulnerable: Developing nations and small island states often face a higher risk of disasters.
  •  Investing in resilient infrastructure in these regions safeguards their vulnerable communities.