PM Modi Addresses International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 6th edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) via video message, highlighting the importance of resilience in infrastructure development and disaster management.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the growth of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) since its inception in 2019, highlighting its expansion to include 39 countries and 7 organizations, calling it a positive sign for the future.

Drawing attention to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, Prime Minister Modi stressed that their impact on people, families, and communities goes beyond numbers. He cited examples of earthquakes rendering thousands homeless and disrupting essential infrastructure like water and sewage systems, putting people’s health at risk.

He emphasized the need to invest in resilient infrastructure today for a better tomorrow, stressing the importance of integrating resilience into new infrastructure creation and post-disaster rebuilding efforts. He highlighted the interconnected nature of disasters, underscoring the importance of collective resilience at both individual and global levels.

Acknowledging the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to disasters, he mentioned CDRI’s program for funding projects in 13 such places. He cited examples of resilient housing, transport networks, and early warning systems in various countries, expressing satisfaction with CDRI’s focus on the Global South.

Prime Minister Modi recalled the formation of a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during India’s G20 Presidency, emphasizing the importance of financing discussions in building a resilient future. He expressed confidence in the fruitful deliberations at ICDRI over the next two days, reaffirming India’s commitment to disaster-resilient infrastructure and global cooperation in disaster management.