Pathways to Coastal Resilience: A Call to Action

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Pathways to Coastal Resilience: A Call to Action

The Call to Action highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where extreme weather events threaten economic stability.

It presents insights from expert working groups on Access to Finance, Standards and Codes, and Data, Technology, and Early Warnings.

The Call to Action proposes ten actions by 2034, including a global data hub, multi-hazard warnings, SIDS-specific design codes, and financial reforms to enhance infrastructure resilience and safeguard development gains.

SIDS GDP erased by
extreme weather
events
0 %
Costs increase due to
rebuilding in SIDS
3- 0 %

Impact

1

Implementing the document’s ten actions will help SIDS strengthen disaster resistant infrastructure, minimizing economic losses from extreme weather. By 2034, resilient ports, grids, and roads will safeguard development gains and improve long-term sustainability.

2

Streamlined funding through a Small Island Developing States accreditation passport and resilience units could unlock concessional and private finance, easing debt burdens and enabling scalable infrastructure investment programmes, improving access to finance.

3

Establishing data hubs and multi-hazard early warning systems worldwide ensures inclusive alerts, protecting vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities, and fostering local capacity for sustainable and resilient infrastructure maintenance, thus empowering communities.

Resources

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.