Launched at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF) is a dedicated multi-donor international trust fund designed to support global efforts in strengthening infrastructure resilience, particularly in developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Established with the support of UNDP and UNDRR and managed by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN MPTFO), IRAF aims to reduce the vulnerability of populations and minimize the impact of extreme events and disasters on infrastructure systems. By promoting risk-informed investments and infrastructure development, IRAF helps deliver resilient, sustainable infrastructure that can withstand disasters and serve communities effectively in the face of climate and disaster risks.

IRAF plays a vital role in advancing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’s (CDRI) objectives to achieve resilience through risk informed investments and infrastructure development resulting in reduced vulnerability of populations and reduced impact of extreme events and disasters on infrastructure systems globally.

With an initial duration of five years and approximately US$50 million in financial commitments already pledged by the Governments of India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union, IRAF will play a significant role in promoting resilient infrastructure. The fund focuses on technical assistance, capacity building, research, and knowledge management in key sectors, including energy, transportation, telecommunications, health, urban development, and more.

IRAF currently has two initiatives - Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), and Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP).