PM Modi Addresses ICDRI 2025 in Europe, Calls for Global Action on Coastal Resilience
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025 via videoconferencing, marking a historic moment as the global event was hosted in Europe for the first time.
Welcoming delegates from across the world, Prime Minister Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their support in organizing the landmark conference. He also extended his best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference, highlighting its synergy with the ICDRI theme — “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions.”
In his address, PM Modi emphasized the growing vulnerability of coastal and island nations to climate change and natural disasters. Referring to recent global calamities — including Cyclone Remal in South Asia, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the U.S., Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in Africa — the Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
Reflecting on India’s own experiences, such as the 1999 super-cyclone in Odisha and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, PM Modi highlighted the country’s transformation from recovery to resilience. He cited the construction of cyclone shelters and the development of a tsunami early warning system — now serving 29 countries — as key examples of India’s proactive approach.
The Prime Minister also praised the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for its work with 25 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), building robust homes, hospitals, schools, energy grids, and water systems. He commended the inclusion of nations from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean, as well as the African Union, in the coalition’s growing network.
PM Modi laid out five key global priorities to strengthen disaster resilience:
1. Education and Skill Development: Integrating disaster resilience into higher education to prepare the next generation.
2. Global Knowledge Sharing: Establishing a digital repository to document best practices and lessons from past disasters.
3. Innovative Financing: Creating accessible and practical financing mechanisms for developing nations.
4. Focus on Small Island States: Recognizing Small Island Developing States as “Large Ocean Countries” with unique vulnerabilities.
5. Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhancing last-mile connectivity and coordination to ensure timely and effective communication during emergencies.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to global partnerships in building a safer, more resilient future, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable coastal and island communities.
