Newsletter March 2026
Making the case for DRI
The Director General, speaking at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, explained that integrating resilience into infrastructure planning will safeguard development gains and protect vulnerable communities across India. He also highlighted the growing importance of technology-enabled early warning systems in saving lives and reducing economic losses.
Building the Coalition
Building the Coalition
CEPREDENAC, which works to support mitigation of and preparedness for disasters across eight Central American countries, joined the Coalition, bringing the total membership to 65.
Here, Costa Rica’s Ambassador to India highlights how collaboration through CDRI can improve risk assessment, enable knowledge transfer, and strengthen disaster response.
Leading Global Conversations on DRI
CDRI launches French and Spanish websites
CDRI launched French and Spanish versions of its website, expanding access to its tools, research, and knowledge resources for over 200 million Spanish speakers and more than 180 million French speakers globally.
CDRI’s Shreya Bhatt and Shubham Kashyap explain how this can help to bolster resilience internationally.
Integrating DRI in global climate discussions
The Secretariat made submissions on behalf of the Coalition to calls from the UNFCCC and the European Commission during this quarter, which highlighted the importance of DRI. These inputs aim to strengthen climate adaptation, support a just transition, and mobilize finance for climate-resilient development.
Applying Artificial Intelligence for DRI
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, CDRI convened a DRI Dialogue where experts examined how emerging technologies can advance DRI. AI’s role in forecasting, monitoring, and risk-informed investment was explored, alongside the need for governance, ethical use, and capacity building.
Champions of DRI
SRSG Kamal Kishore
UN Assistant Secretary-General, Kamal Kishore, SRSG and Head of UNDRR, emphasises the need to prioritise DRI by embedding resilience in planning and strengthening global collaboration to safeguard livelihoods and long-term stability. Although disaster-related mortality has declined, infrastructure systems remain vulnerable, leading to significant economic losses.
Promoting risk-informed policy and practice
Improving resilience of mountain roads in South Asia
Disruptions of transport networks in mountain regions impact economies and communities. The Secretariat partnered with CDRI member, the World Bank, to deliver the first South Asia Regional Workshop on Mountain Road Resilience brought together over 60 experts to advance data-driven planning, coordinated responses, and scalable solutions.
Unlocking investments for resilience in Atoll Nations
Moving toward long-term, coordinated investments for coastal protection, water systems, and other critical infrastructure emerged as key priorities at a DRI Dialogue convened with CDRI member, ADB. Discussions explored financing structures to support lifecycle costs and enabling sustainable investment pathways.
Global Survey on infrastructure resilience
The Global Infrastructure Resilience Survey, the most comprehensive global assessment of infrastructure resilience, highlights how risk data, digital tools, predictive maintenance, standards, and nature-based solutions can support cost-effective approaches to build resilient infrastructure.
Enhancing capacities to impact DRI & post-disaster recovery
Securing urban water systems in Sri Lanka
Climate variability is increasingly disrupting urban water supplies in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. A CDRI technical assistance project, implemented by UN-Habitat, is embedding risk-informed planning and early warning systems into water safety frameworks. The project will ensure reliable, climate-resilient water access for over 2.2 million people in the Greater Colombo area.
Strengthening Fiji's Early Warning Systems
A CDRI technical assistance project is advancing multi-hazard early warning systems and nature-based resilience planning. The project will develop communication-focused roadmaps, risk assessments, and long-term action plans, benefiting over 900,000 people by improving last-mile connectivity, flood mitigation, and coastal and water systems resilience.
Supporting earthquake preparedness in Bhutan
Responding to a request from Bhutan, CDRI is supporting simulation exercises to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and response. In Thimphu, agencies and responders came together to test the earthquake contingency plan through consultations, training, and a tabletop exercise, identifying gaps and improving readiness for more effective disaster response.
Viewpoint
Staff testimonial
The Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF) has supported 30 countries across the Caribbean and Pacific to advance DRI through grants, technical assistance, and capacity building. UNDP’s Hiroko Massey, Head, IRAF Fund Management Unit, highlights how the fund is enabling countries to achieve their resilience commitments.
