The Union Cabinet has approved the categorization of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as an ‘International Organization’.

What is the news?

• The cabinet also signed as the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) with CDRI for granting it the exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
• This will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona so that it can efficiently and effectively carry out its functions internationally.

What is CDRI?

• The CDRI is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions that aim to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.
• Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.
• It was launched by the Indian PM Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
• CDRI’s initial focus is on developing disaster-resilience in ecological, social, and economic infrastructure.
• It aims to achieve substantial changes in member countries’ policy frameworks and future infrastructure investments, along with a major decrease in the economic losses suffered due to disasters.

Its inception

• PM Modi’s experience in dealing with the aftermath of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake” as the chief minister led him to the idea.
• The CDRI was later conceptualized in the first and second edition of the International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI) in 2018-19.
• It was organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in partnership with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, and the Global Commission on Adaptation.

Its diplomatic significance

• The CDRI is the second major coalition launched by India outside of the UN, the first being the International Solar Alliance.
• Both of them are seen as India’s attempts to obtain a global leadership role in climate change matters and were termed as part of India’s stronger branding.
• India can use the CDRI to provide a safer alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well.

Why designated as International Organization?

• Deputing experts to other countries
• Deploying funds globally and receive contributions from member countries
• Making available technical expertise to assist countries
• Imparting assistance to countries in adopting appropriate risk governance arrangements and strategies for resilient infrastructure
• 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,
• Providing Indian scientific and technical institution as well as infrastructure developers an opportunity to interact with global experts.

Try this PYQ:

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Post your answers here.

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