Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) Vision 2022-30


The IRIS Vision 2022-2030 document, developed by CDRI with insights from SIDS stakeholders, outlines the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) initiative, launched at COP26 to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure. SIDS face unique challenges due to climate change and development constraints. IRIS equips them with knowledge, tools, and partnerships for climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure, aligning with the SAMOA Pathway.

Its strategic interventions include risk-informed policy and planning, readiness support, and access to finance for long-term resilience. IRIS fosters peer learning, capacity development, and global partnerships while promoting gender equality and disability inclusion. It addresses regional vulnerabilities in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean islands. Through technical support and stakeholder collaboration, IRIS strengthens institutional frameworks and risk-informed decision-making for a sustainable future.

Key points

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.