New Delhi [India], June 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing on Saturday. He welcomed participants to the event, which is being hosted for the first time in Europe. He expressed gratitude to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Government of France for their support in organizing the conference. He also extended best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference.
Highlighting the theme, “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,” PM Modi underscored the vulnerability of coastal regions and islands to natural disasters and climate change. He cited recent disasters such as Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa, emphasizing the extensive damage these events caused to lives and property, reinforcing the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management.
Reflecting on India’s past experiences with catastrophic disasters like the 1999 super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s resilience in rebuilding, including the construction of cyclone shelters in vulnerable regions and India’s contribution to a tsunami warning system that benefits 29 countries.
He praised the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for its ongoing collaboration with 25 Small Island Developing States, assisting them in building resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security measures, and early warning systems. PM Modi welcomed representatives from the Pacific Indian Ocean and Caribbean regions and the African Union’s participation in the coalition.
Drawing attention to key global priorities, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of integrating disaster resilience courses, modules, and skill development programs into higher education to prepare a skilled workforce for future challenges. He also called for creating a global digital repository to document best practices and lessons learned from countries that have rebuilt with resilience.
PM Modi emphasized the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support disaster resilience efforts, particularly ensuring developing nations have access to necessary funds. He reaffirmed India’s recognition of Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries and the special attention required to address their vulnerabilities. Additionally, he highlighted strengthening early warning systems and coordination as critical for timely decision-making and effective last-mile communication.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for constructing infrastructure capable of withstanding the forces of time and nature, urging global efforts to build a strong and disaster-resilient future for the world.
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