Context: As co-chairs of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)’s Governing Council and Executive Committee from 2022 to 2024, India and the United States have collaborated to establish disaster-resilient infrastructure around the world in partnership with CDRI’s growing membership.  

• The India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) will unveil its new study on building disaster resilient telecommunications infrastructure and a new set of funding recipients for small island countries (SIDs) at the UNFCCC CoP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Key highlights

• Under the strategic guidance of its co-chairs, CDRI has witnessed remarkable growth over the last two years, unveiling a new strategic roadmap for 2023 to 2026 and expanding its membership by more than 25% percent.  

• CDRI’s 46 members include 39 countries, 6 multilateral organizations, and a private-sector association representing more than 400 companies, forging partnerships that will strengthen infrastructure resilience worldwide.  

• Through this platform, members focus on transforming new and existing infrastructure systems to mitigate climate and disaster risks, sharing knowledge, best practices, and proven tools.

• As global leaders in climate action, India and the United States have promoted financing for infrastructure that fortifies the resilience of communities worldwide in the face of increasing disasters.  

• During this tenure, CDRI has released the world’s first Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index, which will enable countries to predict the risk and estimate economic impacts, allowing for more strategic preparation and resilience efforts.

• In addition to catalyzing financial investments for infrastructure, CDRI has also launched initiatives to invest in a future-ready workforce.  

• Together, the countries have spearheaded transformative initiatives to equip students and professionals to facilitate innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges through initiatives such as the Infrastructure Resilience Academic eXchange and the Higher Education Partnership for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

• The CDRI is an international coalition of countries, United Nations (UN) agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions, that aims to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.

• Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.

• It was launched by Indian Prime Minister at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in 2019.

• The CDRI has 46 members, including 39 countries, 6 multilateral organizations, and a private-sector association representing over 400 companies.

• Key initiatives include Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report.

Governance

• India serves as the permanent co-chair of the CDRI Governing Council and Executive Committee.

• Its secretariat is located in New Delhi.

CDRI's strategic priorities include

• Technical Support and Capacity-building: Providing assistance in disaster response and recovery, capacity-building, and establishing standards.

• Research and Knowledge Management: Collaborating on research, producing reports, and maintaining a global database.

• Advocacy and Partnerships: Engaging in global events, facilitating knowledge financing, and disseminating knowledge products.