New Delhi, Apr 24 : In a recorded message at the 6th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. He stressed that while the damage caused by these disasters is often quantified in monetary terms, their true impact extends far beyond numbers to affect people, families, and communities.
Modi urged countries to prioritize investment in resilient infrastructure today to mitigate the devastating effects of disasters in the future. He emphasized the importance of integrating resilience into both new infrastructure projects and post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of the world, Modi underscored the need for collective resilience, emphasizing that individual countries must strengthen their resilience to ensure global resilience. He praised the efforts of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in fostering collaboration and shared resilience among nations.
Drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States, Modi stressed the importance of supporting the most vulnerable communities. He cited examples of CDRI-funded projects aimed at enhancing resilience in such regions, including resilient housing and transport networks.
Modi also commended CDRI’s focus on the global south and highlighted India’s efforts, including the formation of a new disaster risk reduction working group during its G20 presidency. He expressed optimism about the coalition’s growth and its role in shaping a resilient future.
Since its launch in 2019, CDRI has grown into a global coalition comprising 39 countries and seven organizations, reflecting a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by natural disasters and build a more resilient world.
