Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025 today, marking the first time the event is being hosted in Europe. The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their support in organizing the landmark event.
Focusing on the theme “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,” PM Modi highlighted the increasing risks coastal regions and island nations face due to climate change and natural disasters. He cited recent calamities such as Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the U.S., Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in Africa, to illustrate the widespread impact of such events on lives and infrastructure.
Drawing from India’s own experiences with devastating events like the 1999 super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, Modi emphasized how India rebuilt with foresight, investing in cyclone shelters and contributing to a regional tsunami early warning system now serving 29 countries.
He also spotlighted the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)’s collaboration with 25 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to create resilient schools, hospitals, homes, energy systems, and water security frameworks. Welcoming the presence of delegates from Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean nations, Modi acknowledged the African Union’s growing involvement with the CDRI.
In his address, the Prime Minister identified five critical priorities to advance global disaster resilience:
- Education and Skills Development – He proposed integrating disaster resilience into higher education curricula to cultivate a skilled workforce ready for future challenges.
- Global Knowledge Sharing – Modi suggested establishing a digital repository to compile best practices and lessons from countries that have successfully rebuilt after disasters.
- Innovative Financing – Stressing the importance of accessible funds for vulnerable nations, he called for concrete financing mechanisms to support resilience efforts in developing countries.
- Support for Ocean Nations – Recognizing the unique challenges of SIDS, Modi reaffirmed India’s view of them as “Large Ocean Countries” deserving focused attention.
- Early Warning Systems – He emphasized the urgency of enhancing early warning capabilities and last-mile communication to save lives and property.
Prime Minister Modi called for the creation of infrastructure that can endure both time and environmental challenges. Concluding his speech, he urged global collaboration to ensure a safer, more resilient future, built on shared knowledge, strong partnerships, and long-term commitment to sustainable development.
The conference, hosted in partnership with the CDRI and French government, gathers leaders, experts, and policymakers from around the world to deliberate on solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience in the face of growing climate threats.
