New Delhi, May 17, 2023. A delegation from Brazil and other Latin American countries visited the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) under a G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group initiative titled ‘Troika Youth for Disaster Risk Reduction & Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’. The 35 member delegation included Ms Daniela de Rogatis, Founder of Legado and the Head of the delegation; Ms Mrinalini Shrivastava, Director (G20), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); and Dr Sushma Guleria, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
CDRI shared its youth-centric initiatives which are playing a pivotal role in promoting disaster resilient infrastructure. These initiatives included the Fellowship Programme which facilitates transformative, actionable, and scalable solutions for real-world issues of DRI; the IRAX initiative which aims to develop a global network of academic institutions promoting resilient infrastructure; and the Young Professionals Programme which recognizes the importance of investing in youth as vital stakeholders for a more resilient future. CDRI also shared insights on its other ongoing projects in power, transport, telecom, health and urban infrastructure sectors as well as the programme for SIDS - Infrastructure for Resilient Island States.
Speaking on the significance of such exchanges, Mr. Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI said “The unprecedented challenges posed by climate uncertainties and increasing frequency and impact of disasters make it imperative for countries to work collaboratively. As part of our mandate to ensure a more resilient future, CDRI is focused on youth initiatives that can facilitate shaping a robust and resilient future.”
The delegation also visited the Regional Rapid Transit System project connecting Delhi and Meerut on May 16. A joint venture between Govt. of India and the states of the NCR region, the project is being built by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
Prime Minister Modi has spearheaded the formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which focuses on resilient infrastructure that can withstand and recover from the impacts of natural disasters. CDRI aims to promote research, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building for disaster resilient infrastructure. Through CDRI, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of planning and implementing sustainable and resilient infrastructure at the ongoing G20 Summit in India.
