Introduction
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a multi-stakeholder global partnership that aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems against natural and human-induced disasters. It seeks to ensure that critical infrastructure is planned, designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that minimizes disaster risks and enhances the ability of societies to withstand and recover from disasters.
The CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23 September 2019.
Background
Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power systems, telecommunications, hospitals and transport networks is increasingly vulnerable to:
- Earthquakes
- Cyclones
- Floods
- Tsunamis
- Heat waves
- Landslides
- Climate change
- Sea-level rise
Disasters cause enormous economic losses and disrupt essential services. According to global estimates, a significant share of disaster-related losses arises from damage to infrastructure. The CDRI was established to address this challenge through international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Establishment
- Launched: 23 September 2019
- Launch Venue: UN Climate Action Summit, New York
- Headquarters (Secretariat): New Delhi, India
- Nature: International multi-stakeholder partnership
Vision
To promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems so that they can better withstand disasters and support sustainable development.
Objectives
The CDRI aims to:
- Promote disaster-resilient infrastructure globally.
- Reduce disaster-related infrastructure losses.
- Strengthen international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Support countries in integrating resilience into infrastructure planning.
- Develop standards, guidelines and best practices.
- Build technical and institutional capacity.
- Mobilize research and innovation for resilient infrastructure.
Membership
The CDRI brings together:
- National Governments
- United Nations agencies
- Multilateral Development Banks
- International organizations
- Academic and research institutions
- Private sector organizations
- Civil society organizations
Its membership includes over 40 countries and numerous international organizations and financial institutions, and continues to expand.
Governance Structure
Governing Council
- Highest decision-making body.
- Provides strategic direction.
- Approves policies and work programmes.
Executive Committee
- Oversees implementation of decisions.
- Supervises programmes and activities.
Secretariat
- Located in New Delhi.
- Coordinates partnerships, research and implementation.
Major Areas of Work
Infrastructure Risk Assessment
- Identification of disaster risks.
- Vulnerability assessment.
- Climate risk analysis.
Capacity Building
- Training programmes.
- Technical assistance.
- Knowledge-sharing workshops.
- Development of professional expertise.
Research and Knowledge
- Development of global standards.
- Best practice documentation.
- Technical reports.
- Policy guidance.
Financing Resilient Infrastructure
- Promoting investment in resilient infrastructure.
- Supporting risk-informed infrastructure financing.
- Working with multilateral development banks and financial institutions.
Technical Cooperation
- Exchange of expertise.
- Technology sharing.
- International collaboration.
Infrastructure Sectors Covered
The CDRI focuses on resilience in sectors such as:
- Transport infrastructure.
- Energy systems.
- Telecommunications.
- Water supply.
- Urban infrastructure.
- Health infrastructure.
- Education infrastructure.
- Digital infrastructure.
Major Programmes
Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS)
Launched jointly by India, the United Kingdom and Australia, IRIS supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in building infrastructure resilient to climate change and natural disasters.
Its objectives include:
- Technical assistance.
- Capacity building.
- Climate-resilient planning.
- Access to finance for resilient infrastructure.
Fellowship and Capacity Building
The CDRI conducts:
- Research fellowships.
- Professional training.
- Knowledge exchange programmes.
- Policy dialogues.
Importance
Climate Change Adaptation
Resilient infrastructure helps countries adapt to increasing climate-related disasters.
Sustainable Development
Supports resilient and sustainable infrastructure, contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Advances the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) by reducing disaster risks through resilient infrastructure.
Economic Resilience
Reduces economic losses, service disruptions and reconstruction costs after disasters.
Global Cooperation
Provides a platform for countries to share knowledge, technologies and best practices.
Significance for India
The CDRI reflects India’s growing leadership in global disaster risk reduction and climate governance.
It complements India’s initiatives such as:
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
- National Disaster Management Framework
- Sendai Framework implementation
Hosting the Secretariat in New Delhi enhances India’s role as a global hub for resilient infrastructure policy and research.
Challenges
- High cost of resilient infrastructure.
- Limited access to finance in developing countries.
- Lack of technical expertise.
- Inadequate data on disaster risks.
- Weak implementation of resilience standards.
- Rapid urbanisation and climate uncertainties.
Way Forward
- Integrate disaster resilience into all stages of infrastructure development.
- Increase investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Strengthen international cooperation and technology transfer.
- Promote risk-informed urban planning.
- Enhance capacity building in developing countries.
- Encourage public-private partnerships for resilient infrastructure.
- Develop common global standards and resilience metrics.
Conclusion
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a pioneering global initiative led by India to enhance the resilience of infrastructure against disasters and climate change. By promoting knowledge sharing, capacity building, resilient financing and international collaboration, the CDRI contributes to sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. As climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense, strengthening resilient infrastructure through initiatives like the CDRI will be essential for protecting lives, livelihoods and economies worldwide.
