Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 through videoconference. The event, hosted in Europe for the first time, focuses on building stronger, safer infrastructure to handle natural disasters.
PM Modi thanked the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the French Government for organizing this important conference. He wished success to the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference.
Focus on Coastal Regions and Islands
The conference theme was “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions.” PM Modi highlighted how coastal areas and islands face growing threats from climate change and disasters. He mentioned recent events like Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, and typhoons and cyclones in Asia, the US, and Africa.
These disasters caused huge damage to lives and property. They show why we need strong, disaster-resistant infrastructure and better disaster management.
India’s Experience with Disasters
PM Modi recalled India’s history with severe disasters. He spoke about the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004. India rebuilt with great resilience. The government built cyclone shelters in vulnerable areas. India helped set up a tsunami warning system that now helps 29 countries.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
The Prime Minister praised the work of the CDRI. It supports 25 Small Island Developing States to build safer homes, hospitals, schools, and energy and water systems. It helps improve early warning systems.
PM Modi welcomed representatives from the Pacific Indian Ocean, Caribbean regions, and the African Union to join the coalition.
Five Key Priorities for Disaster Resilience
PM Modi outlined five key priorities to strengthen disaster resilience globally:
Education and Skills:
Integrate disaster resilience courses and skill training into higher education. This will build a skilled workforce ready for future challenges.
Global Digital Repository:
Create a worldwide digital library to share best practices and lessons from countries that rebuilt after disasters.
Innovative Financing:
Develop actionable plans to provide developing countries with funds needed for disaster resilience.
Support for Small Island Developing States:
Recognize these as Large Ocean Countries and give special attention to their unique vulnerabilities.
Early Warning Systems:
Strengthen and coordinate early warning systems to ensure timely decisions and effective communication to communities.
Call for Resilient Infrastructure
PM Modi stressed the need for infrastructure that can withstand time and nature’s challenges.
Countries must focus on resilience while developing.