The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) celebrated its 44th anniversary on 6 th July, 2023.The event was presided by the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperative Division, Mrs. Mosammat Hamida Begum, as a Chief Guest. Among the invited guests were the members of the Technical Committee of CIRDAP, experts team of excellence, former director generals, partner organizations including FAO, BIMSTEC, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF), BARD, RDA, diplomatic mission in Dhaka, Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), etc.
At the opening ceremony, the DG of CIRDAP Dr. Cherdsak Virapat provided his speech to the distinguished guests by welcoming everyone to the event. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the CIRDAP Chairman of the Governing Council of Thailand and the Government of Bangladesh, host country of CIRDAP, Governing Council members, Executive Committee members, Technical Committee members and relevant partners for their strong support and cooperation for the organization. He called for the celebration on the past achievements and continue to have strong commitments on future actions to improve the quality of life and sustainable development of rural people and their communities. After that the honorable secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperative Division, Mrs. Mosammat Hamida Begum gave her opening address by wishing CIRDAP of its 44 years of journey. In her speech, the secretary stated that the Centre has progressed toward its vision as a Centre of excellence and multi-level platform for cooperation on integrated rural development in Asia and the Pacific Region.
There were two presentations on the World Rural Development Day Portal and the Establishment of the CIRDAP Exhibitions and Museum on Integrated Rural Development in Asia-Pacific (CEMIRD) and their applications in the event. Ms. Hurain Jannat, Communication Officer and Coordinator of Expert Team of Excellence presented an overview on the World Rural Development Day Portal. Before her presentation, the DG of CIRDAP launched the portal officially. The second presentation “the Establishment of the CIRDAP Exhibitions and Museum on Integrated Rural Development in Asia-Pacific (CEMIRD) and their applications” was made by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Helal Uddin, Director Research, CIRDAP. There were constructive and interactive discussions held in both the presentations.
The Secretary of RDCD inaugurated the CIRDAP Exhibition and Museum on Integrated Rural Development in Asia-Pacific (CEMIRD) by cutting the ribbon.
As part of the celebration of the foundation day of CIRDAP, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CIRDAP and SFIDA (Supporting Funds of Investment Development in Agriculture) of IR Iran on 5 th July, 2023 in a virtual ceremony. On behalf of CIRDAP the DG of CIRDAP, Dr. Cherdsak Virapat provided a speech on the collaboration. Later, on behalf of SFIDA, the Chair and CEO of SFIDA Mr. Hossein Mahdidoust provided his collaborative speech.
CIRDAP was founded in 1979 as an Intergovernmental organization. It has been established to promote integrated rural development in Asia and the Pacific region by improving the quality of life of the far-reaching marginalized ruiral people. Th eultimate beneficiaries of CIRDAP are farmers and rural communities. At present, it comprises 15 member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
