News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th April 2024
In his address at the 6th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through a video message, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, emphasizing the significance of their participation in fortifying the global discourse and decision-making concerning Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI). Acknowledging the remarkable growth of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) since its inception in 2019, the Prime Minister noted its expansion to encompass 39 countries and 7 organizations, heralding a promising trajectory for the future.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters, emphasizing that while the economic evaluation of damage is often quantified in monetary terms, the true toll extends far beyond numbers to encompass human suffering and societal disruption. He cited instances of earthquakes rendering thousands homeless and disrupting vital water and sewage systems, exacerbating health risks. Additionally, he highlighted the potential peril posed by natural disasters to energy infrastructure, necessitating proactive investment in resilient infrastructure to mitigate future calamities.
Emphasizing the imperative of investing in resilient infrastructure for a more secure tomorrow, Prime Minister Modi advocated for integrating resilience into the fabric of infrastructure development, both in its inception and in post-disaster reconstruction efforts. He stressed the importance of shifting focus towards resilience-building once immediate relief and rehabilitation measures are executed in the aftermath of disasters.
Asserting the borderless nature of both nature and disasters, Prime Minister Modi underscored the interconnectedness of global vulnerabilities, asserting that collective resilience hinges on bolstering individual resilience within each nation. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts facilitated by CDRI and platforms like ICDRI in fostering shared resilience across nations.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the necessity of prioritizing support for the most vulnerable communities, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at heightened risk of disasters. He referenced CDRI’s initiatives aimed at funding projects in 13 such vulnerable regions, citing examples of resilient infrastructure projects in Dominica, Papua New Guinea, the Dominican Republic, and Fiji. Notably, he commended CDRI’s inclusive approach with a specific focus on the Global South.
Recalling India’s initiative in establishing a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during its G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the pivotal role of financing in advancing resilience-building efforts. He expressed optimism regarding the deliberations at ICDRI and underscored their significance in shaping a resilient future in tandem with the continued growth of CDRI.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the 6th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure elucidated the critical importance of collaborative action in fortifying global resilience against natural disasters. Through proactive investment, inclusive initiatives, and concerted efforts, he envisaged a future wherein nations stand united in their resilience against the shared risks posed by natural calamities.
