India ratifies CDRI Headquarters Agreement; takes lead in disaster resilient infrastructure

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between the Government of India (GoI) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The agreement, signed on August 22, 2022, grants CDRI independent and international legal status, enabling it to carry out its functions more efficiently on the global stage. This move aligns with India's aspiration to assume a leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience issues.

CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Modi during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September 2019, showcasing India's commitment to addressing the issue of resilient infrastructure in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative aims to rapidly develop infrastructure that can withstand disasters and supports universal access to basic services, prosperity, and decent work.

In August 2019, the Cabinet approved the establishment of CDRI and its supporting Secretariat in New Delhi, along with financial support of Rs. 480 crore over five years (2019-20 to 2023-24).

Subsequently, in June 2022, the Cabinet recognized CDRI as an International Organization and approved the signing of the HQA to grant CDRI exemptions, immunities, and privileges.

CDRI has garnered significant membership, with 31 countries which include the USA, UK, Canada, Brazil, Turkey; six international organizations, which include UNDP, World Bank, Asia Development Bank, European Union and two private sector organizations joining the coalition.

Its membership encompasses economically advanced countries, developing nations, and those most vulnerable to climate change and disasters. CDRI is actively working on developing DRI Connect, a unified digital platform that will facilitate engagement, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders, providing a one-stop space for sharing best practices, policies, and knowledge related to resilient infrastructure systems.

CDRI's strategic priorities include technical support and capacity-building, research and knowledge management, as well as advocacy and partnerships. The organization assists in disaster response and recovery, capacity-building, research collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge products. It also facilitates global events and initiatives while establishing a marketplace for knowledge financing and implementation agencies.

Moreover, CDRI has collaborated closely with Australia, the European Union, India, the United Kingdom, and representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to establish Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS). Launched at the World Leaders Summit during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), IRIS aims to promote sustainable development in SIDS through resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure. It addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by these island states due to climate change, such as sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and erosion.

Island States encounter various development constraints, including limited economic opportunities, poor connectivity, inadequate labour mobility, and a lack of capacity to adapt. By prioritizing resilient infrastructure, IRIS seeks to contribute directly to enhancing the resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity of infrastructure in SIDS.

India's approval of the HQA ratification underscores its commitment to international cooperation in disaster resilience and climate change mitigation. The CDRI and IRIS initiatives serve as crucial platforms for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and concerted efforts towards building a resilient and sustainable future for all.