The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) commemorated its 47th Foundation Day alongside the 2nd Observance of World Rural Development Day (WRDD) 2026 through a grand ceremony and reception held at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (CICC), 17 Topkhana Road, Dhaka.
The event brought together ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors and high commissioners, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector, and the media, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural development across Asia and the Pacific.
The programme was graced by His Excellency Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest and Chairperson of the CIRDAP Governing Council. Distinguished dignitaries from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Local Government Division, and the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division of the Government of Bangladesh attended the programme as Special Guest and Guests of Honour.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, who reaffirmed CIRDAP’s enduring commitment to promoting integrated rural development through regional cooperation, policy dialogue, capacity development, innovation, and knowledge sharing. He highlighted that since its establishment in 1979, CIRDAP has served as a unique intergovernmental platform, enabling its Member Countries to exchange experiences, share best practices, and develop practical solutions to common rural development challenges.
Speaking on CIRDAP’s future vision, Dr. Shekara emphasized the organization’s long-term strategic aspiration to expand its regional outreach by welcoming 40 non-member countries across Asia and the Pacific into the CIRDAP family. He announced that CIRDAP has formally approached all forty non-member countries and expressed his sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister for personally addressing invitation letters to these countries, seeking their support in strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable rural development.
Welcoming the distinguished guests to the historic Chameli House, as the Chief Guest His Excellency, Honorable Minister of LGRD described the occasion as a landmark moment, celebrating two significant milestones—the 47th Anniversary of CIRDAP and the 2nd global observance of World Rural Development Day.
He further noted that this year’s celebration marked another historic achievement. For the first time in CIRDAP’s history, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Asia-Pacific countries with diplomatic missions in Bangladesh were invited to participate in the observance. This convergence is a powerful symbol of regional pride and presence significantly enhanced the diplomatic and regional significance of the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for rural development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The chief guest also highlighted that World Rural Development Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution initiated by the Government of Bangladesh, representing a proud achievement for the country and a global recognition of the importance of rural transformation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
A major highlight of the celebration was the official unveiling of two flagship CIRDAP publications:
- Integrated Rural Development Models: 100 Best Practices & Innovations from Asia-Pacific and Beyond; and
- Unstoppable Spirits: The Rise of Rural Women in Asia and the Pacific.
The programme also featured the announcement of the 15 winners of the CIRDAP–REEDS International Rural Innovation Challenge 2026, selected from across the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, five outstanding rural innovations from Bangladesh, the host country of CIRDAP, received Special Mention in recognition of their exceptional contributions toward addressing rural development challenges and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The celebration concluded with a Signature Campaign, in which the distinguished guests reaffirmed their collective commitment to promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural development across the region.
The dual observance underscored CIRDAP’s continued leadership in fostering regional cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange, while reinforcing the global significance of World Rural Development Day as a platform for accelerating rural transformation and ensuring that rural communities remain at the heart of sustainable development.