New Delhi, October 31, 2023: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Miyamoto International, launched its inaugural regional conference, the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) - Americas, in Washington, D.C.
The conference aims to expedite investments and funding for disaster and climate resilient infrastructure in the Americas region, emphasizing the identification of emerging regional priorities and fostering future collaborative efforts.
Throughout the day long event, conference sessions will address critical topics, including strategies for financing disaster-resilient infrastructure, crafting solutions for the unique challenges faced by small-island states, and establishing partnerships with academic institutions to inspire the next generation of infrastructure professionals. The timing of this conference is particularly crucial as the Latin American and Caribbean region grapples with mounting infrastructure risks due to natural disasters. Current estimates reveal that assets at risk in Latin America account for approximately 1% of the GDP.
Amit Prothi, Director General, Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) remarked, “CDRI’s first regional conference ‘ICDRI Americas’ presents an opportunity to focus on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Infrastructure is critical to achieving the SDG’s. Trillions of dollars are needed for building infrastructure, yet significant portions of this capital are at risk due to natural hazards and climate change. There is a growing need for robust understanding of risk and risk information, and the changing vulnerabilities. Over the long term, investments in resilience pay for itself and more.”.
USAID/India Mission Director Veena Reddy said, "The United States is proud to participate in the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure - Americas to accelerate investments in people-centric and disaster resilient infrastructure. The conference will expand CDRI's engagement in the region, bringing together experts from the government, private sector, and academia to forge strategic partnerships and enable peer-to-peer exchange, with exponential impact.”
Kit Miyamoto, Global CEO, Miyamoto International said, “In disaster zones around the world, I have seen first-hand the impact of collapsed buildings, bridges, and power infrastructure. Disaster resilient infrastructure is one of the best ways to reduce the loss of lives and economic losses. Engineers, urban planners, universities, and government leaders need to come together to share and institutionalize measures like building codes, resilient construction techniques and regular infrastructure maintenance. Events like ICDRI are critical for exchanging knowledge.”
Building on the success of the ICDRI annual conference in New Delhi in April 2023, which brought together over 2,000 participants from 158 countries, the Americas conference underscores CDRI's dedication to advancing the global discourse on disaster-resilient infrastructure. ICDRI Americas is poised to identify priority interventions for the region by examining current challenges and future requirements in disaster-resilient infrastructure. This conference is expected to guide policymakers in the formulation of action plans for collaborative efforts in the transition towards disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Americas.
