Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, INDIA
Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI
It is with great pleasure that CDRI launches our new newsletter. In the backdrop of increasing climate extremes and disasters, it is imperative that we collaborate, share, and catalyze action to support the most vulnerable. This newsletter will form part of our efforts to do that across our growing Coalition; now 40 countries and seven organizations.
Enjoy reading! We would love to hear your thoughts on how we tailor the second edition to your needs and interests.
Cuba was welcomed as the 46th member of the Coalition in February 2024. Addressing ICDRI 2024, President H.E. Mr. Miguel Díaz-Canel underscored the importance of sharing best practices and bolstering national capacities to effectively respond to disasters.
In April 2024, France assumed the role of Co-chair of the Coalition, taking over from the United States of America. Aurélien Lechevallier, Director General for Global Affairs and Cultural and Economic Diplomacy will represent France at CDRI’s Governing Council
Kamal Kishore, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and formerly the India co-chair of the Executive Committee, CDRI, shares insights on the importance of DRI.
ICDRI 2024 brought together governments, financial institutions, media and the private sector to showcase solutions and drive collective action. CDRI’s Director General and Director of Advocacy and Communications outline the key takeaways.
Coalition member Antigua and Barbuda hosted the fourth UN Conference on Small Island Developing States in May. CDRI was present to advocate for the role of DRI in enabling resilient prosperity and to launch a Call for Proposals under IRIS.
Virginia Tech University was awarded a $5 million grant from USAID to collaborate with Indian institutions of higher education to improve training, research, and collaborative innovation on DRI. Here Veena Reddy, Mission Director, USAID/India speaks on Infrastructure Resilience Academic eXchange.
CDRI, in partnership with the Government of India delivered a workshop for 60 power sector experts from 18 Indo-Pacific countries in New Delhi and Agra. Building disaster preparedness for energy infrastructure is a target for the Indo-Pacific Quad.
Maintenance and erosion impact resilience of unpaved roads. This project in Brazil combines nature and research to seek resilient infrastructure solutions.
A study by CDRI and the Government of Odisha on “Disaster Resilient Power Systems” provides replicable recommendations for strengthening power infrastructure in coastal regions. Read ‘Lessons from Odisha.’
CDRI was honoured with the 2024 UN SIDS Partnership Award under the environmental category, which was presented at the ‘Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue’ in New York.
Limited access to services and infrastructure, coupled with unique geographical challenges, makes mountain ecosystems particularly fragile. Climate change increases the risks for mountain communities. CDRI’s Mountain Resilience Programme will safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, ensure economic stability and promote environmental sustainability in these unique areas.
Rana Divyank Chaudhary, who joined the Publications team in early 2024, shares his role and experience of working with CDRI.