PVBLIC Joins Global Leaders to Champion SIDS and Coastal Resilience at ICDRI 2025

Above: Panelists at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) in Nice, France.

Nice, France - PVBLIC Foundation proudly participated in the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI), held from June 6–7, 2025, in the Green Zone of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. Hosted by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), ICDRI 2025 convened global infrastructure stakeholders to address the intensifying climate-induced risks facing coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The conference, themed "Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions", brought together governments, multilateral banks, private sector actors, and technical experts to align on risk-informed, adaptive solutions for infrastructure development. With nearly 37% of the world’s population residing within 100 km of coastlines—and with global coastal GDP projected to double by 2030—the stakes for infrastructure resilience have never been higher.

Through its flagship multi-stakeholder partnership program, the SDG Data Alliance and the SIDS Global Data Hub, PVBLIC contributed to this urgent global dialogue by emphasizing the power of data and technology in enabling climate resilience. The Foundation’s team—including Stephen Keppel, President; Dr. Greg Scott, Executive Director, SDG Data Alliance and  Ashaki Goodwin, Director of Government Affairs—participated in a series of high-level discussions and engagements focused on leveraging early warning systems, inclusive frameworks, and digital infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities.

“We were so impressed and inspired by the high level of engagement and thought leadership on display throughout ICDRI. There was a great balance of new ideas and commitments to action,” said President Stephen Keppel. 

Above: (From left to right) Dr. Greg Scott Executive Director, SDG Data Alliance; Ashaki Goodwin, Director, Government Affairs, PVBLIC; and Stephen Keppel, President, PVBLIC Foundation.

ICDRI 2025 also saw the formation of expert working groups tasked with producing actionable recommendations and thought pieces, including a pivotal DRI (Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) framework for coastal regions, launched during the opening session. These insights are set to inform broader UNOC3 and UNDRR dialogues across the month of June.

PVBLIC's involvement—as an expert group partner, engagement driver, and data policy leader—highlighted the critical intersection of technology, equity, and resilience in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Foundation remains committed to supporting resilient infrastructure investments and advancing multi-stakeholder partnerships that bridge public policy with data-driven innovation.

For more details on the conference outcomes and key recommendations, visit PVBLIC.org