PM at 2025 Disaster Resilience Conference.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took part virtually in the 2025 International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was held in Europe for the first time today. He warmly welcomed the attendees and expressed his gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their vital role in facilitating the event. Additionally, he extended his best wishes for the forthcoming United Nations Oceans Conference.
Emphasizing the conference’s focus on ‘Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,’ Shri Modi drew attention to the heightened vulnerability of coastal zones and island communities to climate-related hazards and natural calamities. He cited a series of recent severe weather events—including Cyclone Remal affecting India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi across Southeast Asia, and Hurricane Helene in the
The Prime Minister cited recent severe weather events such as those in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa, all of which have caused significant harm to people and infrastructure. He emphasized the urgent need to develop resilient infrastructure and implement proactive disaster risk management to protect vulnerable areas.
Drawing from India’s history of overcoming catastrophic events like the 1999 super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, the Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s resilient recovery efforts. He highlighted India’s extensive network of cyclone shelters in high-risk areas and its pivotal role in establishing a tsunami warning system that benefits 29 countries.
Shri Modi spotlighted the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’s (CDRI) collaboration with 25 Small Island Developing States to strengthen infrastructure such as homes, hospitals, schools, energy and water systems, and early warning capabilities. He warmly welcomed delegates from the Pacific Indian Ocean and Caribbean regions, alongside the African Union’s participation in the coalition.
The Prime Minister presented five critical global priorities: integrating disaster resilience education and vocational training into higher education to nurture a skilled workforce; establishing a worldwide digital platform to share effective disaster management practices; developing innovative funding mechanisms to provide developing countries with the financial resources needed for resilience; recognizing Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries deserving specialized attention due to their unique vulnerabilities; and bolstering early warning systems and coordination frameworks to ensure prompt decision-making and efficient communication at all levels. Shri Modi expressed confidence that these vital issues would be thoroughly discussed throughout the conference.
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He urged countries worldwide to invest in infrastructure that can resist environmental challenges and stand the test of time, stressing that resilience is key to sustainable growth. Wrapping up his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for global cooperation to build a strong and disaster-resilient future for everyone.
