About CDRI

• India launched the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) on the sidelines of the UN Climate Action Summit in September, 2019. 
• It is an international collaborative platform involving the public and private sector, aiming to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development.
• The Coalition functions as an inclusive multi-stakeholder platform led and managed by national governments, where knowledge is generated and exchanged on different aspects of disaster resilience of infrastructure. 
• The following are CDRI’s strategic priorities: 
  • Technical Support and Capacity-building: This includes disaster response and recovery support; innovation, institutional and community capacity-building assistance; and standards and certification.  
  • Research and Knowledge Management: This includes collaborative research; global flagship reports; and a global database of infrastructure and sector resilience. 
  • Advocacy and Partnerships: This includes global events and initiatives; marketplace of knowledge financing and implementation agencies; and dissemination of knowledge products. 
• Members: Since its launch, 31 Countries, 6 International Organizations and 2 private sector organizations have joined as members of CDRI.  
• The CDRI Secretariat is based in New Delhi, India.

Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the categorization of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as an ‘International Organization’ and signing of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) with CDRI for granting it the exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
• Categorization of CDRI as an ‘International Organisation’ and signing of HQA with CDRI for grant of exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section-3 of the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947 will provide it an independent and international legal persona so that it can efficiently and effectively carry out its functions internationally. This will help the CDRI in:
  • Deputing experts to other countries, that are particularly vulnerable to disaster risk and / or require support for post disaster recovery and also bringing in experts from member countries to India, for similar purposes;
  • Deploying funds globally and receive contributions from member countries, for CDRI activities;
  • Making available technical expertise to assist countries to develop resilient infrastructure in accordance with their disaster and climate risks and resources;
  • Rendering all possible support to member countries in upgrading their systems to ensure disaster and climate resilience of existing and future infrastructure, while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction;
  • Leveraging international engagement to foster disaster resilient infrastructure at home; and,

Reference

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1837893