Latest news with #ThirdUNOceanConference
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Include disaster resilience in higher education: PM Modi at CDRI conference
New Delhi: Courses, modules and skill development programmes on disaster resilience need to become part of higher education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at a two-day conference, organized by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in Nice, France, laying down five key areas for disaster preparedness. 'Including disaster resilience in higher education will help build a skilled workforce that can tackle future challenges. Secondly, many countries face disasters and rebuild with resilience. A global digital repository of their learnings and best practices would be beneficial,' Modi said, in his video address. Thirdly, disaster resilience requires innovative financing, Modi emphasised. 'We must design actionable programmes and ensure developing nations have access to finance,' he said. 'Fourth: We consider Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries. Due to their vulnerability, they deserve special attention,' Modi said adding: 'Fifth: Strengthening early warning systems and coordination is crucial. This helps timely decisions and effective last-mile communication. I am sure that discussions in this conference will consider these aspects. Let us build infrastructure that stands firm against time and tide. Let us build a strong and resilient future for the world.' The CDRI conference is taking place in Nice ahead of the Third UN Ocean Conference in which resilience of coastal areas will also be discussed. '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 South-east Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in Philippines and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. Such disasters caused damage to lives and property,' Modi said. Further he recalled: 'India also experienced this 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.' CDRI is working with 25 Small Island Developing States. Resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy, water security 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 said. With approximately 37% of the global population residing within 100 km of the coast, contributing around $1.5 trillion to the annual global GDP, and 90% of global goods transported by sea, strengthening coastal resilience is now a global priority, CDRI said. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, said, 'We need a global push to unlock the resources required to bolster climate adaptation for the vulnerable regions, especially for small islands and low-lying coastal areas. For us, climate-resilient infrastructure is a question of survival.' David WR Adeang, President of the Republic of Nauru said, 'This conference is an opportunity to move from dialogue to delivery. Let us work together to ensure no nation and no community is left behind in building a future that is not only resilient but fair, inclusive, and sustainable.' Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda said: 'Resilient infrastructure is not just a policy option—it is a necessity for survival. We believe that resilience begins not at the shoreline but in the minds and systems we build.' The 54-member global coalition, CDRI, said it is committed to advancing climate and disaster resilient infrastructure across Africa. Other announcements include the awarding of research grants for 53 projects spanning 21 countries, as well as a call to action for accelerating infrastructure resilience in small island nations. In a separate event in Geneva, M Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction on Friday. The award was conferred for minimising deaths due to any cyclone over the north Indian Ocean region, not only in India, but also in 13 World Meteorological Organisation member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
India to make statement at UN summit
India will be making a statement on ocean protection at the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in France's Nice between June 9 and 13, according to officials. India is presently reviewing the UNOC 3 final declaration that is expected to be adopted at Nice. The text of the declaration was already negotiated in New York in May. It is expected to emphasise the particular importance of implementing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement including the goal to limit the temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, and help ensure the health, productivity, sustainable use and resilience of the ocean and thus common future. It is likely to address sea level rise, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss among others. India will be participating in several panels but the most important ones for it are those on scientific cooperation and sharing of oceanographic data; marine pollution from land; and impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change on the ocean. The Indian delegation will be led by Jitendra Singh, minister of state for earth sciences. Scientists from Ministry of Earth Sciences will also attend. As part of the statement, India will also be calling attention to sea level rise. 'Sea level rise is a very critical issue for tropical countries including India. Apart from sea level rise contributed by melting of glaciers, melting of sea ice in the poles, here sea level rise is contributed by thermal expansion due to global warming. It's a grave threat to populous low lying coastal areas,' said M Ravichandran, secretary, ministry of earth sciences. India will also be participating in a side event with Norway on June 8 to demonstrate marine spatial planning. 'Though our partnership with Norway we have conducted marine spatial planning for Puducherry and Lakshadweep. It is a very important project because it tells us where new industry, township, aquaculture farm, ports or any infrastructure can come up in these coastal regions. This spatial planning can help other countries too because it is about judicious use of land and ocean,' added Ravichandran.
Jordan News
4 days ago
- Business
- Jordan News
King Abdullah to Participate in Third UN Ocean Conference Next Monday in France - Jordan News
King Abdullah to Participate in Third UN Ocean Conference Next Monday in France His Majesty King Abdullah II will participate in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference on Monday, June 9, to be held in Nice, France, with the attendance of world leaders, senior officials, and international experts. اضافة اعلان The King's participation reflects Jordan's commitment to supporting environmental and sustainable development initiatives, as well as its active role in international efforts concerning shared natural resources. The conference presents an opportunity for Jordan to highlight its achievements and challenges in preserving the marine and ecological systems of the Gulf of Aqaba, and to foster partnerships and attract investments aimed at protecting the Kingdom's marine environment and boosting blue economy investment. The conference will address global challenges and opportunities related to ocean conservation and the management of shared marine resources. – (Petra)
