Latest Updates on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

1. Canada has recently joined the Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The primary aim is to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks, thereby promoting sustainable development.
2. The Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) through a video conference.
3. The CDRI is hosting a three-day conference involving the prime ministers of India, the United Kingdom, Italy and Fiji. The conference will focus on various aspects of disaster preparedness, including health and digital infrastructure resilience.

Exploring the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is a collaborative partnership between national governments, United Nations programmes and agencies, development banks, academic institutions, and the private sector. Here are some critical aspects of the coalition:

• The coalition aims to address the challenges associated with integrating resilience into infrastructure systems and related developments.
• It advocates for the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks, thereby supporting sustainable development.
• Over 35 countries have been part of the consultations for the development of the CDRI. The coalition aims to achieve a measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from disasters.
• The CDRI supports the rapid development of resilient infrastructure in response to the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals for universal access to basic services, facilitating prosperity, and decent work.
• The coalition works towards standardizing designs, processes, and regulations related to infrastructure creation and management.
• It's important to note that the CDRI is a partnership between national governments and other agencies and not based on rights and obligations. The decisions, policies, and standards of the coalition are not binding on the members.
• Prime Minister Modi launched the CDRI in September 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit.
• The Secretariat of the CDRI is located in New Delhi, India.
• The CDRI serves as a platform for knowledge generation and exchange and will also develop country-specific as well as global plans.
• The CDRI will provide member countries with technical support, capacity development, research and knowledge management, and advocacy and partnerships to facilitate and enhance investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure systems.

Why is the CDRI Needed?

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in driving economic growth. With the increasing demands of a rapidly growing global population and unpredictable hazard patterns, existing infrastructure will face additional stress and new infrastructure will be constructed in hazard-prone areas.

• According to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), enhanced disaster resilience of infrastructure is essential for sustainable development.
• One of the targets of the Sendai Framework emphasizes infrastructure as a critical prerequisite for achieving the other targets of disaster loss reduction under the framework.
• Therefore, building an infrastructure system that is resilient to disasters is critical for promoting economic growth alongside sustainable development.
• While India has made significant strides in reducing the number of human casualties in disasters, the country needs to improve in protecting property and infrastructure during natural disasters or extreme weather events.
• The World Bank estimated that the economic losses due to disasters during the late 90s and early 2000s were close to 2% of the GDP.

Financial Aspects of the CDRI

India has provided a significant part of the funding required to cover costs for the first five years. The members are not obliged to make any financial contributions to the coalition. However, they can voluntarily contribute financially or in other ways such as assigning experts to the CDRI Secretariat, hosting meetings and workshops, and travel support.

Members of the CDRI

The following table provides a list of the member-countries of the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure:

The following table provides a list of partner organizations of the CDRI:

Significance of the CDRI for India

• CDRI complements the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• It provides a platform for India to emerge as a global leader in climate action and disaster resilience.
• It enhances India's soft power and has a broader connotation than just economics. The synergy between disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Climate Accord provides for sustainable and inclusive growth.
• It facilitates India's support for resilient infrastructure in Africa, Asia, and other regions.
• It creates opportunities for Indian infrastructure and technology firms to expand their services abroad.
• It provides access to knowledge, technology, and capacity development for infrastructure developers.