Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025 via videoconferencing, marking the first-ever hosting of the global event in Europe.
Welcoming participants from around the world, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for supporting the organization of the conference. He also extended his best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference, linking its objectives with the broader mission of building resilient coastal infrastructure.
Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions’, the Prime Minister emphasized the increasing vulnerability of coastal and island regions in the face of climate change and natural disasters. He cited recent examples such as Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa as stark reminders of the devastation caused by extreme weather events. These incidents, he said, underscore the urgent need for proactive disaster management and the development of resilient infrastructure.
Reflecting on India’s own experiences with major natural disasters, including the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004, PM Modi spoke about how India not only recovered but also laid the groundwork for long-term resilience. The construction of cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal regions and the establishment of a tsunami warning system that now benefits 29 countries were cited as key achievements in India’s disaster preparedness journey.
The Prime Minister also praised the ongoing efforts of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which is currently collaborating with 25 Small Island Developing States to construct robust homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, and water security solutions. He noted the importance of early warning systems in these efforts and welcomed the active participation of countries from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean regions. The PM also lauded the involvement of the African Union in the coalition’s expanding network.
PM Modi outlined his vision for global disaster resilience by identifying five key priorities. He called for the integration of disaster resilience education and skill development in higher learning institutions to equip the next generation with the tools needed to tackle future challenges. He proposed the creation of a global digital repository to document and share lessons learned from disaster-hit regions that have rebuilt with resilience.
Stressing the importance of financial accessibility, the PM advocated for the development of innovative and actionable financing mechanisms to ensure that developing countries can access critical funds for infrastructure. He reiterated India’s recognition of Small Island Developing States as “Large Ocean Countries,” emphasizing the need to focus global attention on their unique vulnerabilities.
Lastly, PM Modi stressed the critical role of strengthening early warning systems and enhancing coordination to enable timely decisions and ensure that communication effectively reaches the last mile during emergencies.
from National https://ift.tt/Rbso2qj