Action Agenda

Integrating Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in National Adaptation Strategies 

The Action Agenda emphasizes the integration of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) into national adaptation strategies as a critical response to escalating climate risks.  

With 75% of global infrastructure yet to be built, mostly in the Global South, embedding resilience now is vital to avoid trillions in future losses. Climate-induced disasters already cause $700 billion annually, disproportionately impacting vulnerable economies. DRI adds 5–15% to upfront costs but yields 7–12x returns over asset lifecycles.  

The agenda calls for systemic reforms: multi-hazard risk assessments, resilient design standards, governance coordination, innovative financing, and capacity building.  It outlines ten action areas, including political leadership, critical asset protection, equity, and regional cooperation. COP30 is framed as a pivotal moment to shift from policy intent to operational integration, making resilience the backbone of adaptation and sustainable development. 

Key points

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.