Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) via video message, emphasizing the crucial role of resilient infrastructure in tackling the challenges posed by natural disasters.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, acknowledging their participation as a significant contribution to strengthening the global discourse on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Reflecting on the growth of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) since its inception in 2019, he noted its expansion to encompass 39 countries and 7 organizations, emphasizing its potential for shaping a resilient future.
Highlighting the devastating impact of natural disasters, Prime Minister Modi underscored that their true toll extends beyond monetary evaluations, affecting lives, families, and communities profoundly. He drew attention to the destruction caused by earthquakes, displacing thousands and disrupting vital infrastructure like water and sewage systems, endangering public health.
Emphasizing the imperative of investing in resilient infrastructure for a better tomorrow, Prime Minister Modi stressed the integration of resilience into new infrastructure projects and post-disaster reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the need for a collective global response to disasters, emphasizing shared resilience as essential in an interconnected world.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized supporting the most vulnerable, citing initiatives like CDRI’s program for funding projects in Small Island Developing States. He highlighted examples of resilient projects across various regions, including housing in Dominica and early warning systems in the Dominican Republic and Fiji, underscoring CDRI’s focus on the Global South.
Reflecting on India’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the establishment of a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during India’s G20 Presidency. He expressed confidence in CDRI’s growth and its role in fostering a resilient future through collaborative efforts.
