Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

• The Cabinet has recently approved Ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Signing of HQA will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona, so that it can carry out its functions internationally more effieciently.

PRECEDING EVENTS

• On the 28^th August 2019, the Cabinet had approved the setting up of CDRI along with its supporting Secretariat in New Delhi and also approved financial support of ₹480 crore over a period of five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
• On the 29^th June 2022, the Cabinet had approved recognition of CDRI as an international organization and for signing of Headquarters Agreement for granting CDRI exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section-3 of the UN (Privileges & Immnities) Act, 1947.
  • Section 3 of the act states that premises of UN shall be inviolable. Act was also extended to several other international organisations.

ABOUT CDRI

• It is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, private sector, academic and knowledge institutions etc.
• It aims to increase the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
• Presently, CDRI has 31 nations (including India), 6 International and 2 Private organisations as its members.
• It was launched in 2019, by the Indian PM (supported by UNDRR) at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.
• It is the Government of India’s second major global initiative outside of UN, after the International Solar Alliance.