PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can withstand the growing threats of disasters and climate change.
Speaking virtually at the seventh International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI), held in Nice, France, PM Modi said coastal regions and islands face mounting risks.
“Coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to disasters and climate change,” he said. “Let us build infrastructure that stands firm against time and tide, creating a stronger, more resilient future for all.”
The conference, organised ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), brought together over 350 delegates to discuss strategies for building disaster-resilient infrastructure, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal areas.
Nearly 37% of the world’s population lives within 100 km of the coast, contributing $1.5 trillion to the global GDP.
With 90% of global goods transported by sea, coastal resilience has become a global imperative.
ICDRI 2025 is focusing on three critical pillars to drive resilient infrastructure:
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana emphasised the need to unlock global resources for vulnerable regions. “For us, climate-resilient infrastructure is a question of survival,” he said.
David Adeang, President of Nauru, called the summit a chance to turn discussions into action. “Let’s ensure no nation or community is left behind in building a fair, inclusive, and resilient future.”
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, added, “Resilient infrastructure is not optional—it is a necessity for survival.”
Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime stressed, “Resilience is a moral and political imperative. Through solidarity, we can build a secure and just future.”
Amit Prothi, Director General of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), opened the summit by emphasising the urgent need to protect coastal lives and economies.
He highlighted the coalition’s IRIS programme, which supports 24 projects across 25 SIDS to drive inclusive infrastructure development.
In an interview, Prothi noted that climate change is intensifying storms, floods, and coastal erosion, particularly affecting SIDS.
“Most new infrastructure investments over the next 30 years will happen in low- and middle-income countries,” he said. “Resilient infrastructure is critical to safeguard communities and support economic growth.”
The 54-member CDRI coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advancing resilient infrastructure, especially in Africa and high-risk regions.
The conference announced research grants for 53 projects across 21 countries and launched a call to action for accelerated investment in SIDS infrastructure.
India launched the CDRI in 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit. As the Permanent Co-Chair, India has led efforts to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure worldwide.
France currently serves as the Rotational Co-Chair from April 2024 to March 2026.
The CDRI, backed by countries including Australia, the UK, and the EU, focuses on enhancing infrastructure in sectors such as health, transport, power, and telecom, especially in vulnerable geographies.
“Resilient infrastructure protects lives, secures economies, and sustains development,” said Prothi. “With strong international support, we can build a safer future for coastal and island communities.”
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