Context: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure(CDRI) has announced the launch of Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund(IRAF) at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.

Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund(IRAF)

• IRAF is a multi-donor trust fund launched by CDRI with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR).

• Purpose: To support global action on disaster resilience of infrastructure systems, especially in developing countries and Small Island Developing States(SIDS).

• The fund will offer customized technical assistance, capacity building, research, knowledge management, and advocacy across the infrastructure life cycle for countries at all stages of development.

• Supported by: Governments of India, the United Kingdom, Australia and the European Union.

• Managed by: The fund will be managed by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN MPTFO).

• Significance: The fund will play a crucial role in equipping the coalition to deliver improved infrastructure governance, inclusive infrastructure services, diversified knowledge, and financing for resilient infrastructure globally.

• Note: One of the first initiatives to be supported by the IRAF is the Infrastructure for the Resilient Island States(IRIS).