AUC joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a milestone in global partnerships on resilience building

Reinforces Africa’s role in strengthening infrastructure resilience

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the African Union Commission (AUC) officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), reinforcing Africa’s role in global efforts to strengthen infrastructure resilience in the face of climate and disaster risks.

This landmark event took place on 5 June 2025, in Geneva during a high-level celebration at the India High Commission in Geneva, where H.E. Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, and H.E. Mr Amit Prothi, CDRI Director-General, extended a warm welcome to the African Union as the newest member of the Coalition. This milestone follows the AU's historic inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023. He highlighted the strategic importance of Africa’s voice in global resilience dialogues. The ceremony, symbolizing the growing multilateral commitment to resilient futures was attended by H.E. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), Mr Régis Farret, Counsellor (Sustainable Development), Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations Office at Geneva representing the CDRI Co-Chair and  H. E. Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

H.E. Moses Vilakati reaffirmed the AU’s strategic vision: “The Coalition presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP)—our flagship framework for building resilient cities. As a new member of the CDRI Governing Council, the AU will actively contribute to shaping global infrastructure resilience strategies that respond to the real and growing needs of African countries.”

The African Union Commission’s accession to the CDRI follows months of technical engagement between the AUC, the CDRI Secretariat, and the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa. It builds on a pivotal meeting held with the AU Commissioner and H.E. Shri Anil Kumar Rai, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia. By joining this alliance, the AUC cements its commitment to advancing sustainable, risk-informed infrastructure across the continent.

The CDRI partnership is expected to enhance the AU’s ability to mobilize finance, scale up technical cooperation, and build institutional capacity in support of resilient infrastructure development. This partnership is not only a reflection of collaboration but also a timely response to the urgent need for collaborative, inclusive, and scalable solutions to protect vulnerable populations and secure the future of African cities.

About the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

The CDRI is a global partnership comprising national governments, the UN, international agencies, multilateral development banks, private sector actors, and knowledge institutions, dedicated to promoting infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks.

About the Africa Urban Resilience Programme

The Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP) was developed by the African Union Commission (AUC) with the support of the Government of Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Sahel Resilience Project. AURP aims to strengthen regional and national urban risk management policies, plans, and institutional capacities of member states to address urban risks.

The European Union, through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP Natural Disaster Risk Programme, played a catalytic role in supporting the development of the AURP. The AURP has been operationalised through the Aqinile partnership, bringing together AUC, UNDP, and the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-HABITAT).  The AURP is also supported by the Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA) Project. The project is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and its project partners.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Emmanuel Osuteye, Urban Resilience Advisor, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy | African Union Commission | E-mail: osuteyee@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media enquiry:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Maryanne Muriuki, Communications Analyst – Disaster Risk Reduction | Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | African Union Commission | E-mail: MuriukiM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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