PM Addresses 6th Edition of International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. This address was graced by a video message.
In his address to the attendees, the Prime Minister welcomed all the dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of their participation in advancing the global conversation on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He highlighted the substantial growth of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure since its establishment in 2019, noting that it now includes 39 countries and 7 organizations. The Prime Minister expressed optimism for the future, stating that this expansion is a positive indication of progress.
The Prime Minister underscored the escalating occurrence and intensity of natural disasters, emphasizing that their true toll on individuals, families, and communities transcends monetary valuation. Shri Modi shed light on the human repercussions of such disasters, citing instances of earthquakes rendering homes uninhabitable, resulting in thousands of people being displaced, and disruptions to water and sewage systems posing health risks to the populace. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the potential hazards posed by natural disasters on energy plants, which could lead to perilous situations.
Watch PM Modi’s remarks during International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to ensure a better future. He emphasized the need for resilience to be integrated into the development of new infrastructure as well as incorporated into post-disaster rebuilding efforts. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of shifting focus towards resilient infrastructure following relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of a disaster.
Emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and disasters without borders, the Prime Minister highlighted the far-reaching impact of disasters and disruptions in today’s highly interconnected world. He stressed the need for individual resilience at a global level, stating that collective resilience can only be achieved when each country is self-sufficient. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of shared resilience in the face of common risks, citing the CDRI and its role in uniting the world towards this shared goal.
“Supporting the most vulnerable is crucial to achieving shared resilience,” noted the Prime Minister, pointing to Small Island Developing States as particularly at risk. He mentioned a CDRI initiative funding projects in 13 of these vulnerable locations, including resilient housing in Dominica, robust transport networks in Papua New Guinea, and improved early warning systems in the Dominican Republic and Fiji. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that CDRI prioritizes assistance to the Global South.
The formation of a new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, with a focus on financing, was discussed by the Prime Minister during India’s G20 Presidency. These initiatives are expected to lead the world towards a more resilient future, complementing the growth of CDRI. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the productive discussions expected at ICDRI over the next two days.
