The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, an intergovernmental and autonomous organisation, has celebrated its 46th Foundation Day in conjunction with World Rural Development Day at the CIRDAP in Dhaka recently.
The event gathered the secretary of the Ministry of LGRDC Bangladesh, BIMSTEC secretary general, ambassadors, high commissioners and their representatives from CIRDAP member countries, along with senior government officials, the United Nations, and development partners, said a press release on Thursday.
CIRDAP can assist national priorities and play major role in the region to bring transformation in rural development, said Ismail Hossain, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division routine secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, while addressing as chief guest at the event.
He underscored the importance of integrated rural development strategies in achieving SDGs, especially in eradicating poverty, ensuring food security and empowering rural women and youth.
P Chandra Shekara, director general of CIRDAP, emphasised the role of collaboration among member countries to foster innovation, inclusiveness and resilience in rural development.
He also reflected on CIRDAP鈥檚 achievements over the past 46 years, particularly in policy advocacy, knowledge dissemination, and capacity building and expressed the organisation鈥檚 renewed commitment to building a digitally inclusive and sustainable rural future.
Key highlights of the programme included launching of the World Rural development Day poster; releasing of a special edition of Agriculture World magazine, dedicated to WRDD and CIRDAP鈥檚 legacy; and unveiling of the new book titled Rural Tourism in Asia and Pacific: Concept, Practices and Opportunities.
Since its inception, CIRDAP has made significant contributions towards rural development across the Asia and Pacific region, including the implementation of 212 research projects, conducting 255 training programmes, and training over 7,848 senior government officials from CIRDAP member countries.
The United Nations general assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/326 on September 6, 2024, proclaiming July 6 as World Rural Development Day to highlight the critical importance of rural development and transformation for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
This resolution was initiated by Bangladesh and co-sponsored by other countries, reflecting a strong international commitment to sustainable rural development, said the press release.
In his vote of thanks, FAM Zakirul Huq, head of administration at the CIRDAP, extended heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, media and the organising team for their support and participation.
