Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved categorizing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as an "International Organization." This decision also includes the approval for signing the Headquarters Agreement, which grants CDRI the exemptions, immunities, and privileges outlined by the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947. This means that the property and assets of the members of CDRI, wherever located, will enjoy immunity from legal processes unless expressly waived.

Significance of this Categorization

Expert Consultations:

• Enables the delegation of experts to countries vulnerable to disaster risks or those needing post-disaster recovery assistance.
• Facilitates bringing experts from member countries to India for collaboration.
• Provides technical expertise to help countries develop disaster-resilient infrastructure aligned with their climate risks and resources.
• Assists countries in establishing risk governance frameworks and strategies for resilient infrastructure.

Enhanced Funding and Cooperation:

• Allows the deployment of funds globally and the receipt of contributions from member countries for CDRI activities.
• Supports member countries in upgrading their systems to ensure disaster and climate resilience of both existing and future infrastructure, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Promotes international collaboration to foster disaster-resilient infrastructure, offering Indian scientific and technical institutions the opportunity to engage with global experts.

What is the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?

About:

The CDRI is a global partnership involving national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions. Its primary goal is to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, supporting sustainable development.

• Launched in 2019 during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.
• It is India’s second major global initiative after the International Solar Alliance, reinforcing India's leadership in climate change and disaster resilience.

Members:

• Since its inception, 31 countries, 6 international organizations, and 2 private sector organizations have become members of CDRI.
• 6 International Organizations: Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), European Union, and the European Investment Bank.
• 2 Private Sector Organizations: The Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies and the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment.
• CDRI’s membership includes a wide range of countries, from economically advanced to developing nations, which are vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome.’
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation:
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all. Adopted in 2015, they took effect in 2016 and are targeted to be achieved by 2030. Therefore, statement 2 is correct. However, statement 1 is incorrect, as the Club of Rome advocated resource conservation in 1968, and the SDGs were established at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Additional Practice Questions

1. Q. What are the primary goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and how do they align with the objectives of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?

2. Q. Discuss the significance of international partnerships like the CDRI in achieving global climate resilience, especially for developing countries.

BELOW ARE THE HINTS FOR THE ABOVE QUESTIONS

1. Hint: The Sendai Framework aims to reduce disaster risk and build resilience in communities and countries. It focuses on reducing disaster risk, enhancing disaster response, and improving disaster preparedness.

2. Hint: CDRI can help developing countries enhance their disaster risk reduction and resilience by providing technical expertise, funding, and resources. It can also help in building partnerships and capacity building in disaster risk reduction.