About CDRI

CDRI is a global coalition committed to strengthening infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks. With 50 member countries and 8 partner organizations, it unites national governments, international bodies, and businesses to exchange knowledge, drive research, and invest in disaster resilient infrastructure. Members gain access to global expertise, funding, technical support, research opportunities, innovative solutions, and international best practices.

Headquartered in New Delhi, India, CDRI’s Secretariat holds the status of an International Organization.

CDRI’s mission is, by 2050, to drive US$10 trillion of new and existing infrastructure investments and services to be resilient to natural hazards and climate change through enhanced capacity, informed policy, planning, and management, thereby improving environmental quality, livelihoods, and overall well-being for more than 3 billion people worldwide.

Members

Organizations

Key information

Why is CDRI needed?

Infrastructure like roads, bridges, and power systems are critical for economic growth, but they are at risk from floods, storms, and climate change. CDRI helps ensure that future infrastructure is strong and safe, supporting global goals like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

CDRI has ten major initiatives which focus on: Small Island Developing States; enhancing data and early warning systems; urban resilience; finance and governance, critical and social infrastructure; mountain regions; Africa; major events; research; and, capacity building.

CDRI has three levels of governance:

  • Governing Council: Includes all member countries and organisations, meets yearly.
  • Executive Committee: Oversees programmes and decisions, meets twice a year.
  • Secretariat: Led by the Director General, runs day-to-day operations.

CDRI is funded by voluntary contributions from member countries and organisations. India as the host nation has provided most of the funding, with additional support from the USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the World Bank. Members are not required to make financial contributions.

CDRI members can share knowledge, access technical support, and learn best practices for making infrastructure safer. Membership is voluntary, and countries can adopt policies and recommendations without being legally bound.

No, any country or organization can request to join CDRI by expressing interest to the Secretariat.

Countries and organisations must endorse the CDRI Charter and identify a focal point and lead for engagement with the Coalition in official communication to the Director General.

The Governing Council reviews and approves membership requests, which takes about six weeks.

CDRI is based in New Delhi, India.

Key documents and videos

Alpana Saha 2

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. 

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.