Conference of the Parties – COP 31

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Conference of the Parties – COP 31

At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, CDRI will position disaster resilient infrastructure (DRI) as a critical enabler of climate adaptation, translating global climate commitments into tangible implementation.

Through engagement and convening, the Coalition will advance three priorities: strengthening policy integration through actionable adaptation frameworks, mobilizing resilient infrastructure investment and finance by demonstrating long-term benefits, and elevating DRI through high-level political engagement and international cooperation.

CDRI’s work aligns with four COP31 Action Agenda themes.

Side events
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Speaking engagements
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Impact

1

Launch of a framework providing a structured approach to integrate DRI into national adaptation strategies, enabling countries to translate adaptation priorities into actionable implementation pathways and strengthen climate resilience through infrastructure-led adaptation planning and delivery.

2

High-level ministerial dialogue strengthening commitment to DRI, building a shared understanding of its role in climate adaptation, and identifying opportunities for enhanced national action and international cooperation to accelerate resilient infrastructure development.

3

DRI Negotiators’ Roundtable strengthening engagement with climate negotiators to advance the integration of DRI into international climate processes, while fostering stronger alignment between global adaptation commitments and infrastructure resilience priorities for implementation.

Resources

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. 

Aishwarya Pillai

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. 

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