Protecting World's $1.5-Trillion Coastal Economies: 7th Edition Of ICDRI-2025 Opens In France
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The two-day annual conference brings together governments, UN agencies and multilateral development banks to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure in the wake of climate change
The mounting disaster risks faced by the world's most vulnerable coastal communities are at the forefront of the seventh edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI-2025), which began in Nice, France, on Friday.
The crucial two-day conference, organised by the CDRI, will urge the global community to fast-track resilient infrastructure in the world's most vulnerable countries. This year's focus is on coastal communities, which contribute roughly $1.5 trillion to global GDP annually – a figure projected to rise to nearly $3 trillion by 2030. In addition, nearly 90% of goods moved globally are transported by sea.
About 37% of the world's population lives within 100 km of the coast, where the population density is twice the global average. While all coastal areas face growing challenges, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are especially vulnerable because of their remoteness and isolation, experts say.
'Coastal resilience is essential for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and economies. The conference will bridge science, policy, and finance by bringing together global voices to address shared challenges and promote collective action, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities and SIDS. Being delivered in Europe for the first time, in partnership with the Government of France, the 7th edition of CDRI's annual conference will again foster inclusive dialogue and forge action-oriented partnerships to advance the cause of disaster-resilient infrastructure," said Amit Prothi, DG, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the United Nations Climate Action Summit on 23rd September 2019, in New York, CDRI is the second major global initiative launched by India after the International Solar Alliance.
A global partnership between governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions, it serves as a platform for generating and exchanging knowledge and providing technical support to member countries.
Since its formation, CDRI has forged global partnerships with as many as 49 countries.
Over the next two days, experts will discuss how coastal regions, especially SIDS, can be better equipped to withstand climate-induced hazards while ensuring economic stability.
The CDRI will also launch a thought piece on Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) for Coastal Regions at the inaugural session. Developed by expert groups, it will set the tone for discussions throughout the two-day event, including the broader third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) taking place in Nice from June 9-13.
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