TFP Bureau, New Delhi; April 24, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) via video message today, urging global leaders to prioritize investment in resilient infrastructure to secure a better future.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to all participants, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping global discourse on disaster-resilient infrastructure. He noted the remarkable growth of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) since its inception in 2019, highlighting its expansion to include 39 countries and 7 organizations.
The Prime Minister underscored the profound impact of natural disasters, emphasizing that their consequences extend far beyond economic evaluations. He highlighted the human toll, including homelessness caused by earthquakes and disruptions to essential services like water and sewage systems during disasters.
“We must invest in resilient infrastructure today for a better tomorrow,” Prime Minister Modi stressed, emphasizing the importance of incorporating resilience into infrastructure development from the outset and during post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of global challenges, PM Modi emphasized the need for individual country resilience to achieve collective global resilience. He underscored the shared risks faced by nations and emphasized the role of CDRI in fostering shared resilience through collaborative efforts.
“To achieve shared resilience, we must support the most vulnerable,” remarked the Prime Minister,
highlighting initiatives such as CDRI’s support for Small Island Developing States vulnerable to disasters. He cited successful projects in Dominica, Papua New Guinea, the Dominican Republic, and Fiji focused on resilient housing, transport networks, and early warning systems.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India’s efforts, including the formation of a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during its G20 Presidency, focusing on financing for resilience-building initiatives.
In conclusion, PM Modi expressed optimism about the outcomes of the ICDRI, emphasizing the critical role of collective action in building disaster-resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future. The conference, spanning two days, is expected to drive meaningful discussions and collaborations in advancing global resilience efforts.
