A real highlight of my summer - moderating at the International Conference for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in sunny Nice. #ICDRI was a deep dive (forgive the pun) into a vital issue – building disaster resilient infrastructure in small island developing states. #SIDS.

The conversations I had - both on stage and off - opened my eyes to the extreme vulnerability of coastal communities, exacerbated by the #climatecrisis. Also, and more positively, to the enormous potential of working together across the Global South to share resources and best practice to avoid constantly reinventing the wheel. I left Nice more hopeful than I had arrived, with the slogan “build well, build once,” ringing in my ears.

Kudos to the #CDRI team for putting together a brilliant and productive event and thanks to the Indian and French governments for their leadership on this important topic. Thank you for inviting me to be your MC!

The icing on the cake was the setting, #Nice - looking its summer best and ready to welcome the world to the #UNOceansConference.