Conference of the Parties- COP 29

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Conference of the Parties (COP)

In November 2024, at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, CDRI launched its first Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) Pavilion, themed “Resilient Infrastructure: Resilient World.”

This pavilion provided a platform for the global community to discuss DRI needs and action, share and exchange best practices, foster partnerships, and develop action plans for vulnerable populations.

At COP30 in Belem, Brazil, the DRI Pavilion will return with an enhanced ambition and a targeted agenda to drive progress.

Global experts
engaged at COP29
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Countries and
Organizations engaged
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Impact

1

The COP29 DRI pavilion featured 32 sessions, organized in collaboration with 5 Member Countries and 24 partner organizations. Key themes spanned finance, governance, data and technology, advocacy and inclusivity, urban resilience, and nature-based solutions.

2

High-level engagements at the pavilion featured distinguished speakers, including the Prime Minister of Tonga, ministers from multiple nations, and the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. 32 countries expressed interest in joining CDRI, signalling strong partnership momentum.

3

CDRI emphasized the urgent need for adaptation financing to enhance infrastructure resilience. It helped shape the Baku to Belém Roadmap, and its DRI recommendations were integrated into India’s National Adaptation Plan, strengthening disaster risk reduction and sustainable infrastructure strategies.

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. 

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.