PM Modi outlines 5 key global priorities to strengthen Disaster Resilience

 He expressed gratitude to the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France for their support in organizing the event. The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference.

Highlighting the theme of the conference, ‘Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,’ Shri Modi underscored the vulnerability of coastal regions and islands to natural disasters and climate change. He cited recent disasters, including Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in South-east Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. Shri Modi emphasized that these disasters have caused significant damage to lives and property, reinforcing the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management.

Recalling India's past experiences with devastating disasters, including the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004, the Prime Minister emphasized how India adapted and rebuilt with resilience, constructing cyclone shelters across vulnerable areas and contributing to the establishment of a tsunami warning system benefiting 29 countries.

Underlining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’s (CDRI) ongoing work with 25 Small Island Developing States to build resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, water security measures, and early warning systems, Modi expressed his appreciation for the presence of representatives from the Pacific Indian Ocean, and Caribbean regions, and welcomed the African Union’s participation in the coalition.