CIRDAP proudly commemorated its 46th Foundation Day and celebrated the first-ever UN-recognized World Rural Development Day (WRDD) on 10 July 2025 at its headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event was graced by Honourable Secretary Mr. Ismail Hossain, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as Chief Guest, and H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, as Special Guest. The celebration brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, UN representatives, and development leaders from across the Asia-Pacific, including delegates from India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, as well as representatives from FAO Bangladesh, BARD, and SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC). The event showcased CIRDAP’s legacy since its establishment in 1979, highlighting significant milestones such as 255 training programmes conducted and over 7,800 officials trained across its 15 member countries. Key highlights included the launch of the WRDD Poster, the release of a special edition of Agriculture World, the unveiling of a new book on rural tourism, and a signature campaign for rural development. With inspiring messages from Director General Dr. P. Chandra Shekara and the Chief Guest, the celebration reaffirmed CIRDAP’s unwavering commitment to building a digitally inclusive and climate-resilient rural future.