The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events is posing unprecedented challenges to educational infrastructure globally, particularly in urban areas and resource-constrained settings. By 2050, nearly 2.02 billion children—almost every child in the world—will be exposed to heatwaves (UNICEF, 2023). Children are physiologically more vulnerable to heat stress, and poor school infrastructure often exacerbates the issue. Extreme heat not only threatens the health and well-being of students but also undermines learning outcomes, exacerbates inequalities, and disrupts access to education. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, CDRI is convening a Community of Practice to bring together global experts, practitioners, and policymakers. Over a four-month period, the Community will foster structured dialogue, document best practices, and develop actionable guidance to build heat-resilient school systems.

About 37 percent of the world's population lives within 100 km of the coast, where the population density is twice the global average. These coastal communities contribute an estimated US$ 1.5 trillion to global GDP annually, a figure projected to rise to almost US$ 3 trillion by 2030. In addition, nearly 90 percent of the goods being moved globally are transported by sea. The interconnectedness and interdependence of critical infrastructure in coastal areas amplifies this increasing risk, leading to higher dynamic risks and cascading impacts. The risks to critical services such as health, transport, power and telecommunications are exacerbated by aging infrastructure, poor maintenance and their establishment in hazard-prone areas. While all coastal areas face these increasing challenges, for SIDS, their remoteness and geographic location compounds their vulnerability.

The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will happen on 6 and 7 June 2025, in Nice, France, and will align with and support the broader outcomes of the third UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3). To prepare for ICDRI, CDRI has formed a Community of Practice for global experts and practitioners, and within this, established four Expert Groups. These experts will guide the development of the agenda and produce bespoke thought pieces to inform the deliberations and outcomes of ICDRI 2025.

About 37 percent of the world's population lives within 100 km of the coast, where the population density is twice the global average. These coastal communities contribute an estimated US$ 1.5 trillion to global GDP annually, a figure projected to rise to almost US$ 3 trillion by 2030. In addition, nearly 90 percent of the goods being moved globally are transported by sea. The interconnectedness and interdependence of critical infrastructure in coastal areas amplifies this increasing risk, leading to higher dynamic risks and cascading impacts. The risks to critical services such as health, transport, power and telecommunications are exacerbated by aging infrastructure, poor maintenance and their establishment in hazard-prone areas. While all coastal areas face these increasing challenges, for SIDS, their remoteness and geographic location compounds their vulnerability.

The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure will happen on 6 and 7 June 2025, in Nice, France, and will align with and support the broader outcomes of the third UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3). To prepare for ICDRI, CDRI has formed a Community of Practice for global experts and practitioners, and within this, established four Expert Groups. These experts will guide the development of the agenda and produce bespoke thought pieces to inform the deliberations and outcomes of ICDRI 2025.