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India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi addresses International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, he welcomed the participants to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, marking its first-ever hosting in Europe. He expressed gratitude to the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their support in organising the event. The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference. Highlighting the theme of the conference, '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, including Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in South-east Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. PM Modi emphasised that these disasters have caused significant damage to lives and property, reinforcing the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management. Recalling India's past experiences with devastating disasters, including the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004, the Prime Minister emphasised how India adapted and rebuilt with resilience, constructing cyclone shelters across vulnerable areas and contributing to the establishment of a tsunami warning system benefiting 29 countries. Underlining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure's (CDRI) ongoing work with 25 Small Island Developing States to build resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security measures, and early warning systems, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the presence of representatives from the Pacific Indian Ocean, and Caribbean regions, and welcomed the African Union's participation in the coalition. Drawing attention to key global priorities, the Prime Minister outlined five key topics. First, the importance of integrating disaster resilience courses, modules, and skill development programs into higher education to build a skilled workforce equipped to tackle future challenges. Second, he stressed the need for a global digital repository to document best practices and learnings from countries that have faced disasters and rebuilt with resilience. PM Modi underscored that disaster resilience requires innovative financing and called for the creation of actionable programs to ensure developing nations have access to necessary funds as the third priority. Fourthly, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India's recognition of Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries and emphasised the need for special attention to their vulnerabilities. Mentioning the fifth priority, PM Modi highlighted the necessity of strengthening early warning systems and coordination, noting their critical role in facilitating timely decision-making and effective last-mile communication. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that discussions at the conference would address these essential aspects. Prime Minister called for the construction of infrastructure that remains steadfast against time and tide, emphasising the need for resilience in development. He concluded by urging global efforts to build a strong and disaster-resilient future for the world. (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Build strong, disaster-resilient infrastructure for future: PM Modi tells world
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underlined the importance of constructing disaster-resilient infrastructure and outlined key global priorities to achieve this goal during his address at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, being held in Europe for the first time. Expressing gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the French government, Prime Minister Modi said, "I thank my friend President Macron and the Government of France for their support. I also extend my wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference." Highlighting the vulnerability of coastal and island regions to natural disasters, he said, "The theme of this conference is shaping a resilient future for coastal regions. Coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to natural disasters and climate change." "In recent times, we saw 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. Such disasters cause damage to lives and property," he said. Recalling India's own past experiences, PM Modi noted, "India also experienced the pain during the super cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004. We adapted and rebuilt, factoring in resilience. Cyclone shelters were constructed across vulnerable areas. We also helped build a tsunami warning system for 29 countries." Emphasising India's global role, he said, "The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is working with 25 small island developing states. Resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security mechanisms, and early warning systems are being built. Given the theme of this conference, I am glad to see friends from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean here. Further, I am happy that the African Union has also joined the CDRI." He listed out global priorities that need urgent attention, starting with education and skills. "Courses, modules, and skill development programmes on disaster resilience need to become part of higher education. This will build a skilled workforce that can tackle future challenges," he said. Stressing the importance of shared learning, he added, "Many countries face disasters and rebuild with resilience. A global digital repository for the learnings and best practices would be beneficial." On financing, PM Modi stated, "Disaster resilience requires innovative financing. We must design accessible programmes and ensure developing nations have access to finance." He also called for focussed attention towards vulnerable nations. "We consider small island developing states as large ocean countries. Due to their vulnerability, they deserve special attention." Highlighting the need for preparedness, he said, "Strengthening early warning systems and coordination is crucial. This helps make timely decisions and effective last-mile communication. I am sure that discussions at this conference will consider these aspects." Concluding his address with a powerful message, Prime Minister Modi urged the international community to build infrastructure that is both resilient and inspirational. "Let us build infrastructure that stands firm against time and tied. Let us build a strong and brilliant future for the world," he said.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Protecting World's $1.5-Trillion Coastal Economies: 7th Edition Of ICDRI-2025 Opens In France
Last Updated: 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. First Published:
Iraq Business
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraq Business
New Women's Protection Center Opens in Diwaniyah
From the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. New Women's Protection Center Opens in Diwaniyah with Support from UNFPA and the Government of France A new Women's Protection Center has officially opened its doors in Diwaniyah today, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and generously funded by the Government of France, in close collaboration with local authorities in Diwaniyah and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers - Iraqi Women's Department. This center marks a significant step forward in creating a safer environment for women and girls affected by violence. The center will serve as a safe space and provide comprehensive services for survivors, including psychosocial support, legal assistance, and reintegration services. This initiative is part of UNFPA's broader effort to strengthen protection mechanisms across Iraq. Similar centers have already been rehabilitated and equipped in Ninewa, Kirkuk, and Anbar in partnership with local authorities and donor support. Patrick Durrell, French Ambassador to Iraq stated: "Combating violence against women is a priority. I am pleased and proud that France is supporting this project alongside the United Nations. This shelter will provide a safe space where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives, and finally think about the future with hope and clarity." Ms. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, stated: "This center stands as a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl in Diwaniyah, and across Iraq, lives free from fear and violence. We are grateful to our partners in the Government of France and the local authorities of Diwaniyah for their continued support of this essential vision." UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners toward strengthening the legal framework needed to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of such centers, ensuring that survivors of violence receive the comprehensive protection and support they deserve. (Source: UNFPA)
