New Delhi, June 29 (FN Agency) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the categorization of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as an ‘International Organisation’ 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.A government statement said 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 or require support for post disaster recovery and also bringing in experts from member countries to India, for similar purposes. It will also help in deploying funds globally and receiving 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, imparting assistance to countries in adopting appropriate risk governance arrangements and strategies for resilient infrastructure and 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.
It will also help in leveraging international engagement to foster disaster resilient infrastructure at home and providing Indian scientific and technical institution as well as infrastructure developers an opportunity to interact with global experts. This will help build our own capacities and mechanisms — both in public and private sectors — to support disaster resilient infrastructure development.Since its launch, thirty-one Countries, six International Organizations and two private sector organizations have joined as members of CDRI.