The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) announced over $10 million in funding and several new programs at the COP29 summit, all aimed at strengthening the resilience of communities facing severe climate threats. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CDRI, which includes 40 countries and 7 international organisations, seeks to reduce the impact of disasters on critical infrastructure and protect the most vulnerable populations.
During the announcement, the coalition introduced initiatives tailored to address unique climate risks for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urban areas prone to extreme weather, and mountainous regions. These initiatives align with CDRI’s mission to support global resilience through investments, technical resources, and cross-border cooperation.
Funding for Small Island and Urban Resilience
One of the most significant announcements was an $8 million fund dedicated to building infrastructure resilience in SIDS, which are highly susceptible to rising sea levels, hurricanes, and other climate-related events. This builds on previous efforts by CDRI to support island states, which have already seen improvements in early warning systems, climate-adapted housing, and resilient coastal facilities across 13 SIDS, including Fiji and the Dominican Republic.
CDRI also announced a $2.5 million funding initiative targeting cities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This funding, open to cities across 30 CDRI member countries, will help them make informed infrastructure investments to manage climate-related risks better.
New Mountain Resilience Program
The new Mountain Resilience Program by CDRI is aimed at mountainous areas, which face unique climate challenges such as landslides, avalanches, and flash floods. The program will focus on risk-informed policies that integrate local knowledge with eco-friendly practices to address these hazards effectively. By fostering collaboration between governments, local communities, and environmental experts, the initiative seeks to protect both natural ecosystems and essential infrastructure in these regions.
Tools for Financial Institutions and Transport Resilience
In partnership with Dalberg Advisors and supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, CDRI introduced a Physical Climate Risk Assessment Playbook for financial institutions. This resource is designed to help banks and investors understand and mitigate climate risks, particularly in the infrastructure sector in India. By providing data-driven insights, the playbook enables financial institutions to make well-informed decisions that account for climate vulnerabilities.
COP29’s Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Pavilion
At COP29, CDRI is hosting a Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Pavilion featuring 36 sessions over two weeks. These sessions are set to bring together global leaders, private sector representatives, civil society groups, and academics to explore the benefits of resilient infrastructure for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and climate action.
“Disasters disrupt lives, essential services, and entire economies,” said Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI. “Resilient infrastructure not only protects lives but also supports rapid recovery and long-term sustainability. At COP29, we are providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration to build a more inclusive and resilient future for all.”
