Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed global leaders at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) in Paris, France, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to enhance disaster resilience, particularly for vulnerable coastal and island nations. The conference, marking its seventh iteration and the first to be held in Europe, saw participation from governments, UN agencies, and development banks, all focused on building robust infrastructure capable of withstanding the intensifying impacts of climate change.
In his virtual address on June 7, 2025, Modi underscored the critical importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure, drawing attention to the increasing risks faced by coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He highlighted that a significant portion of the world's population and global economic activity are concentrated in coastal areas, making them particularly susceptible to the devastating effects of natural disasters. Citing recent cyclones and typhoons across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, Modi stressed that building resilience is no longer an option but a necessity.
Modi outlined five key global priorities to achieve disaster resilience. First, he called for integrating disaster resilience into education and skill development programs. He emphasized the need to equip the future workforce with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. Second, he proposed the creation of a global digital repository of best practices. This repository would serve as a valuable resource for countries facing disasters, providing access to lessons learned and successful strategies for rebuilding with resilience.
Third, Modi underscored the importance of innovative disaster financing for developing nations. He called for actionable programs to ensure that these nations have access to the funds necessary to build resilient infrastructure. Fourth, he reaffirmed India's recognition of SIDS as "Large Ocean Countries," deserving of special attention due to their unique vulnerabilities. He highlighted the ongoing work of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in supporting 25 SIDS in building resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security mechanisms, and early warning systems.
Finally, Modi emphasized the need to strengthen early warning systems with better coordination and last-mile communication. He noted that effective early warning systems are crucial for enabling timely decisions and minimizing the impact of disasters.
The Prime Minister concluded his address with a call to action, urging the international community to build infrastructure that is both resilient and inspirational. He expressed confidence that the discussions at the conference would address these essential aspects, paving the way for a stronger and more disaster-resilient future for the world.
Other leaders present echoed Modi's call for urgent action. Leaders from SIDS emphasized that resilience is a necessity, not a luxury, and a moral imperative for global solidarity. The conference also reaffirmed the CDRI's commitment to advancing climate and disaster resilience across Africa and issued a call to action for accelerating investment in small island nations.
