The government has articulated five crucial priorities to enhance disaster-resilient infrastructure globally, aiming to safeguard communities and economies from the escalating impacts of natural calamities and climate change. These strategic focuses were outlined during a recent international conference dedicated to advancing resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by increasingly frequent and severe disasters.
In a virtual address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, senior government officials highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach encompassing workforce development, innovation in financing, robust early-warning systems, and global collaboration on knowledge-sharing platforms. Central to the government’s vision is cultivating a highly skilled workforce trained in resilient infrastructure design, construction, and management — ensuring that human capital is prepared to face emerging threats effectively. Another critical pillar involves establishing a global digital repository to document and disseminate best practices. This initiative aims to facilitate international cooperation by enabling policymakers, engineers, urban planners, and disaster management professionals to access innovative solutions and adapt them to local contexts. Such a repository is envisioned as a dynamic platform where success stories and lessons learned can inform future infrastructure projects, driving sustainability and resilience.
Innovative financing models also featured prominently in the government’s priorities, recognising that traditional funding mechanisms are often insufficient to address the scale of investment needed. By leveraging public-private partnerships, climate funds, and impact investments, governments and stakeholders can mobilise the capital necessary to build infrastructure capable of withstanding natural hazards while aligning with net-zero carbon goals. Strengthening early-warning systems and coordination mechanisms was underscored as vital to mitigating disaster impacts. Drawing on the government’s existing tsunami-warning system — which currently benefits 29 countries — officials stressed the importance of timely and accurate alerts that save lives and minimise economic losses. Special attention was given to the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face disproportionate risks due to their geographic and climatic conditions, necessitating tailored support and enhanced infrastructure resilience.
The conference, hosted in Europe for the first time, spotlighted the growing urgency to protect coastal regions, which are increasingly exposed to climate-induced disasters such as cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons. Recent events across the globe, including cyclones in South Asia and hurricanes in the Americas, have resulted in substantial human and material losses. These examples serve as stark reminders of the need to integrate resilience into infrastructure development and disaster management strategies. Officials highlighted that resilient infrastructure is a foundational element in building sustainable, equitable, and gender-neutral cities capable of adapting to the evolving climate landscape. Investments in such infrastructure not only protect communities but also foster economic stability by reducing recovery costs and supporting continuous service delivery during adverse events.
The government’s comprehensive framework for disaster-resilient infrastructure development aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasising a balance between growth and environmental stewardship. It encourages nations to adopt innovative technologies and climate-smart practices that reduce carbon footprints while enhancing structural durability. As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity worldwide, this renewed focus on resilience represents a proactive shift in policy and practice. The government’s commitment to capacity building, knowledge exchange, financing innovation, early-warning enhancements, and inclusivity signals a decisive step toward safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring infrastructure longevity.
The dialogue fostered at the conference lays the groundwork for collaborative action, urging nations and stakeholders to work collectively toward a resilient future. This approach is especially critical for regions susceptible to climate risks, where infrastructural weaknesses exacerbate social and economic disparities. As cities expand and climate change intensifies, the government’s prioritisation of disaster-resilient infrastructure offers a roadmap to building safer, more sustainable urban environments. By integrating these priorities into national planning and international cooperation, governments can mitigate the devastating impacts of natural disasters and build a future where infrastructure supports resilience, equity, and environmental harmony.
Government Sets Five Key Priorities for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
