Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid out five key global priorities for building disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing.
In a video address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025 hosted in Europe for the first time, Modi said strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect.
Modi highlighted that India has developed a tsunami warning system that serves 29 countries and emphasized the importance of giving special attention to the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which he referred to as "large-ocean countries."
As the conference was being held in Europe for the first time, Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron and wished him success in the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the conference's theme, "Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions," and emphasized the heightened vulnerability of coastal and island areas to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
He cited recent disasters, including Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the US, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido affecting parts of Africa.
Modi stressed that such disasters have resulted in severe loss of life and property, highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and forward-looking disaster management strategies.
Reflecting on India’s own encounters with major natural calamities, including the 1999 super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, he pointed out how the country responded by rebuilding with resilience, setting up cyclone shelters in high-risk areas and playing a key role in establishing a tsunami warning system that now serves 29 nations.
He also emphasized that building disaster resilience requires innovative financing solutions and urged the development of practical programs to ensure that developing countries can access the necessary resources.
He emphasized the critical need to strengthen early-warning systems and coordination mechanisms, highlighting their key role in supporting swift decision-making and ensuring reliable communication at the community level.
The Prime Minister also called for the development of infrastructure that can endure natural challenges over time, stressing that resilience must be a core principle of development.
He appealed for unified global action to build a robust and disaster-resilient future for the world.
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