LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam has underscored the need for extended cooperation among the member countries of CIRDAP for their mutual benefits.
He also suggested that the bloc members promote best innovative practices and exchange views for sustainable integrated rural development.
"We should exchange our views and ideas with each other. It will be helpful for us to achieve our goals," he said while addressing as the chief guest the inaugural session of the 40th founding anniversary programme of Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) at its conference centre at Chameli House in the capital on Sunday.
He said the government is working to develop the rural areas of the country and promote the livelihood of the rural people.
Delivering the address of welcome, Director General (DG) of CIRDAP Tevita G Boseiwaqa Taginavulau said CIRDAP has been continuously assisting national actions and promoting regional cooperation.
It also provides regional cooperation and technical assistance to its 15 member countries and beyond, he said.
"Over the last 40 years, we have enormous compilation of great events and achievements in terms of researches, pilot projects and trainings," he said.
"We are committed to ensuring continued growth, success and visibility in the areas of rural development and poverty alleviation," he said.
Programme officer of CIRDAP Elora Sharmeen offered vote of thanks while its Librarian Dr Usharani Barua briefed about the e-library of CIRDAP.
CIRDAP, a regional, intergovernmental and autonomous institution, was established on July 6, 1979 at the initiative of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations with support from other UN bodies and donors.
CIRDAP is a centre of excellence in integrated rural development.
Its mission is to provide technical support and promote best innovative practices on sustainable IRD (integrated rural development) amongst member countries in Asia-Pacific in order to improve the living standard of the rural people.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR (Peoples Democratic Republic), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are the members of CIRDAP.
Meanwhile, marking the 40th anniversary, the CIRDAP is organising a two-day long rural development forum on contemporary rural development issues at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (CICC) in the capital.
The forum (rural development forum) 2019 titled 'Enabling Rural Environment for Enhancing the Quality of Life' comprises four technical sessions.
They are: Enabling Rural Environment for Enhancing the Quality of Life: Farm Perspective, Enabling Rural Environment for Enhancing the Quality of Life: Non Farm Perspective, Enabling Rural Environment for Enhancing the Quality of Life: Rural Women Perspective and Enabling Rural Environment for Enhancing the Quality of Life: Rural Youth Perspective.
On the first day, diplomats and dignitaries from CIRDAP member countries, development practitioners from international development organisations, scholars, students and researchers were present, among others.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
