On 11 August 2025, CIRDAP warmly welcomed Mr. Mahbubul Islam, Secretary of the Bangladesh Biochar Initiative (BBI), and Dr. Shaifulla, Adviser (Research) of BBI, for a courtesy visit and meeting with CIRDAP Director General H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara. The discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in advancing biochar technology, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting climate-resilient rural development in the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the CIRDAP-NIRDPR research project titled “Action Lab for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender-Variant Youth in Mainstream Livelihood”, a three-day training programme was held from 28th to 30th July 2025 at the Lions Club, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The initiative was jointly organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), and the Sahodari Foundation, India. This hands-on training focused on equipping rural transgender individuals with skills in coconut shell handicraft, including the creation of kitchen tools, jewellery, and decorative artefacts. The programme aimed to promote economic empowerment and self-employment opportunities for transgender persons through sustainable livelihoods rooted in rural craft traditions.District Social Welfare Officer, NABARD officials,attended as the guests of honour and commended the participants for their creativity and dedication, and assured them of continued government support for such inclusive livelihood initiatives.Sandhya Gopakumaran, Director of Training and Development at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, emphasized that the programme represents a significant step toward enabling transgender individuals to attain financial independence through skill-based entrepreneurship. Kalki Subramaniam, founder and director of the Sahodari Foundation, was also present, supporting the vision of social inclusion and empowerment through skill development.

DG CIRDAP Courtesy Meeting with FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative in Bangkok, Thailand The Director General of CIRDAP, H.E. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara had a courtesy meeting with Dr. Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, at the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand on 24 July 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between FAO and CIRDAP, with fruitful discussions on ongoing programs and potential areas of partnership to advance sustainable rural development across the Asia-Pacific region.

CIRDAP, in collaboration with Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives (NEDAC), proudly inaugurated the International Training Programme on “Startups, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Partnerships for Vibrant Agri Cooperatives” from 21–23 July 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The opening session featured insightful remarks by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, and Mr. Manoj Kumar Bansal, Deputy Managing Director (Finance) of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). This dynamic event brings together 18 distinguished representatives from CIRDAP member countries—including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, and the Republic of Korea—to explore innovative approaches that strengthen agricultural cooperatives across the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the CIRDAP-HARTI research project in Sri Lanka on Women, Youth & Rural Development, the Project Coordinator and the research team from the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Sri Lanka, held a meeting at the Nuwara-Eliya Divisional Secretariat Office. During the meeting, they discussed the project objectives, key activities, and expected outcomes. The team also explained the project details to the local stakeholders. Participants shared their views and spoke about their income-generating activities. Following the meeting, the project team visited the field sites where project activities are being implemented. They observed the current situation, interacted with beneficiaries, and assessed the community’s readiness for the project’s implementation.

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.