Dr Cherdsak Virapat, Director-General of CIRDAP, Mr Krit Hansaward, Chairperson, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for the invitation to FAO to this Technical Committee Meeting 37, and thank you in particular to the DG of CIRDAP, Dr Cherdsak Virapat, and his team for the excellent collaboration and commitment in preparation for this TC meeting, despite the many challenges, and to our host, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, for all the excellent preparations for this meeting. FAO is greatly honored to receive the Aziz-Ul Haq Rural Development Medal. Over the past two years, the world has been learning to cope with the difficult circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Many sectors, including the agrifood sectors, have been struggling to recover from overlapping shocks. The pandemic has forced us to reconsider our priorities and approaches, and has highlighted the importance of more sustainable and resilient societies, as well as of the urgency to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It has also made us realize the need to transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. The pandemic, the impacts of the climate crisis, conflict and other humanitarian emergencies continue to pose daunting challenges to food security and nutrition, especially for rural and vulnerable communities. Ladies and Gentlemen, Since the arrival of the FAO DG Dr Qu Dongyu, FAO has been engaged in a series of actions to make FAO more effective, more efficient and fitter for purpose. The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 is aligned with the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, and it is focused on achieving the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life for all, leaving no one behind. The Strategic Framework has 20 Programme Priority Areas that will shape FAO’s actions in supporting countries, and act as pathways towards achieving the SDGs in line with national priorities. Action at country level is at the core of the 2030 Agenda. In the Asia and Pacific region, the pre-pandemic food security situation was already deteriorating in some parts of this vast region. After many years of progress, hunger is on the rise again. Inequalities are increasing, particularly between rural and urban populations, and women and youth are being left behind. In 2019 about 350 million people in the Asia and Pacific region were undernourished – which is approximately 51% of the global total. With 1.9 billion people, almost 40% of the region, unable to afford a healthy diet due to high food prices. Now, the pandemic has further increased the number of undernourished people in the region by 4.3 million, compared with 2019. Global estimates predict that an additional 140 million people were living in extreme poverty in 2020, and the Global Report on Food Crises warns that the number of people facing acute food insecurity nearly doubled between 2016 and 2021 and with 193 million hits new highs. For a region which has consistently led economic growth rates for most of the last 3 decades, these numbers are deeply worrying. These trends in hunger and food insecurity also suggest that it will be very difficult for the region to achieve the SDG 2 target of Zero Hunger by 2030 without extraordinary efforts. Four priorities, identified through an extensive and inclusive consultation process, are driving FAO’s programme of work in the region and are aimed at achieving extraordinary results: One: Transforming agri-food systems for sustainable production and healthy diets; Two: Accelerating sustainable natural resources management for biodiversity conservation and climate action Three: Supporting inclusive rural transformation for sustainable agrifood systems and equitable rural societies; and Four: Building sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in the Pacific SIDS. FAO’s flagship initiatives support implementation of the Strategic Framework across all regions. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative facilitates agrifood systems transformation and sustainable rural development, FAO’s Global Action on One Country One Priority Product, aims to develop green and sustainable production and value chains for special agricultural products. And the 1000 Digital Villages Initiative aims to convert villages across the world into digital hubs to support the acceleration of rural transformation. A regional strategy on digital innovation will further accelerate the trend towards strengthening the use of digital tools in agriculture, and will leverage the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth and women in the region. We have also invested in the development of Regional Technical Platforms that bring together the best knowledge, taking advantage of regional expertise. The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific is currently developing a Regional Technical Platform on aquaculture, which will become a knowledge hub for this sector. Whilst this will cover various forms of aquaculture, it is important to note in this International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture that the integration of aquaculture into small-scale farming systems can be a catalyst for poor communities to address the wider challenges of improving food security and nutrition, increasing farm biodiversity and building resilience. The currently ongoing 35 th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries emphasizes the importance of an ecosystem approach and encourages FAO to work in partnership with new initiatives to promote sustainable aquaculture. Following the successful SIDS Solution Forum last year, we launched a platform to share innovative solutions developed by Pacific island states to overcome challenging circumstances in unique and fragile environments. Finally, two key thematic strategies are being developed to support the implementation of the Strategic Framework: The FAO Strategy on Science and Innovation and the updated Strategy on Climate Change. Regional consultations with a wide range of stakeholders will ensure that regional perspectives are included in the preparation of both thematic strategies. Ladies and Gentlemen, FAO is committed to working together with you and with all countries and partners in the region in an efficient, effective and coherent manner to reach our collective, regional and global objectives. Thank you once again for the kind recognition of FAO’s efforts towards global rural development and poverty alleviation. We wish a successful

Dr Cherdsak Virapat, Director-General of CIRDAP, Ms Narumol Sanguanvong, Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It is a great honour to accept the Aziz-Ul Haq Rural Development Medal on behalf of FAO Director General Dr QU Dongyu, and thank you for the recognition of FAO’s efforts towards global rural development and poverty alleviation, and for supporting CIRDAP to promote integrated rural development for small-scale aquaculture and agriculture farmers. Ladies and Gentlemen,  The COVID-19 pandemic which unfortunately is still around us has widely exposed the weaknesses of our agrifood systems, and this situation is compounded by conflicts and humanitarian emergencies across the world. World hunger rose again in 2022, reflecting growing inequalities across and within countries. Some 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021. This is an increase of 46 million from 2020, and 150 million more from 2019, before the COVID 19 pandemic. Food insecurity also increased in 2021, reminding us that more people did not have access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. If we project these numbers to 2030, we can clearly see that we are off-track to meet SDG2. This must be our wake-up call! We must not only be worried about the recent setbacks in progress towards SDG2, but about the current and future context as well. The ongoing war in Europe, together with other extended conflicts around the world, is pushing up the price of food, grain, fertilizer and energy, leading to shortages and high food price inflation. Furthermore, more frequent and extreme climate events are disrupting supply chains, especially in low-income countries. We are fully aware that adversities will continue to occur. This is why we need to take bolder action to build resilience, and transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. Ladies and Gentlemen, To do this, FAO has launched the Hand-in-Hand Initiative through which we are supporting 53 countries, in an holistic manner. And we need to work with more partners at global and national levels, to explore opportunities for increasing the provision of public services that support all actors across agrifood systems – implanting policy measures that incentivize the production and consumption of nutritious foods, and make healthy diets more affordable. This spirit of partnership and collaboration is exemplified by the long and successful relationship between CIRDAP and FAO, both firmly committed to working with governments, to ensure ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition, and to accelerate sustainable rural development. From collaborating with governments on national agriculture policies to studying the transformation of agrifood systems; from in-country training and capacity development to support to regional strategies, and collaboration on major events such as the Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium+20, FAO and CIRDAP continue to build upon the close relationship dating back to the founding of CIRDAP in 1979. Now more than ever our organizations need to continue working jointly, with all key players, to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind. Thank you

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The 37th Technical Committee was inaugurated at 9.00 am (Bangkok time) on 9th September 2022 at the Krungthep 2 Conference Room of the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting was attended by 36 participants including 14 CIRDAP member countries. A representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the IRD expert, the representatives of national and international observers, CIRDAP experts, and mentors also embraced the meeting. The Technical Committee meeting was chaired by the TC member of Thailand. The committee adopted the report of the Director General; adopted on the current status on the implementation of the TC-36, the EC-33 and the GC-23 meetings; endorsed the brochure of the Women, Youth and Rural Development Programme; endorsed the ToR, scope of work, deliverable and reporting system of the position of the Technical Assistance to the DG of CIRDAP; endorsed the initiative on ISO 30401:2018 Knowledge management systems for CIRDAP and the IOTA consulting firm for advising on this and to assist on certification; noted on the outcome on the sub-centre activities; and endorsed the venue of the next Technical Committee Meeting (TC-38) in Lao PDR in 2023. The opening speech was given by Dr. Yusharto Huntoyungo, M.Pd, Director General of Village Administration (DGVA) Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of the Republic of Indonesia as the outgoing Chair of the 36th Technical Committee. In his opening remark, he expressed his sincere thanks to the CIRDAP Secretariat for organizing this face-to-face technical committee meeting after almost three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The DG of CIRDAP Dr. Cherdsak Virapat sincerely thanked the outgoing Chairman for his unwavering support and leadership during his chairmanship. He also presents a small token of appreciation and gratitude to him. On the 9th of September, CIRDAP and Ministry of Agriculture organized a welcome dinner along with the Aziz-ul-Huq Rural Development Model Ceremony and the Launching of Rural Development Report (RDR) 2021 at the Horvang 2 & 3 Room, the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladpra, Bangkok, Thailand. CIRDAP honored six recipients representing individual person and organizations with the award, those who worked tirelessly to improve the life standards of the marginalized rural people. The names are as follows: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) of Thailand The Ministry of Rural Development of India Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Bangladesh Benazir Income Supports Programme (BISP), Pakistan The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Dr. Somporn Hanpongpandh, Former Director General of CIRDAP (1992 to 1996) A Study Tour at the Mab Aung Natural Agriculture Center in Ban Bueng District in Chon Buri Province was arranged by Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand on 11th September, 2022. All the participants and observers attended this amazing field trip to learn and to appreciate on how the classes and trainings in nature for improving the rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture can be introduced and directed based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of the King Rama IX the Great of Thailand. Another significant event was the eleventh Global South-South Development Expo 2022 (GSSD Expo 2022) organized by the UNESCAP and the Government of Thailand at the UNCC on 12th September, 2022. The overarching theme of the GSSD Expo 2022 is “Advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Covid-19 Recovery: Towards a smart and resilient future”. Contact: Ms. Hurain Jannat, Communication Officer Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Email: communication_officer@cirdap.org

Prof. Dr. Harvey Demaine M.Sc., Ph.D, London University It was with great sadness to learn that Prof. Harvey Demaine, a renowned expert of CIRDAP passed away on 22 August, 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand. On behalf of the CIRDAP Secretariat, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family. Prof. Demaine participated actively in the CIRDAP expert meetings and webinars in 2021.  At each meeting and webinar, he provided his constructive comments and useful suggestions. He also wrote about his professional expertise and experiences for CIRDAP on 11 April 2021 as follows: I am a British citizen, with degree qualifications in Geography at Oxford and London. Since graduation, I spent the whole of my working life focusing on academic study and development work in Southeast and South Asia, specializing in socio-economic research techniques, agricultural and aquaculture development, decentralized rural and regional development planning, coastal zone management and project formulation, monitoring and evaluation. I worked first at London University (M.Sc., Ph.D.) and the Royal Thai Government (total 14 years), then at Asian Institute of Technology (resident in Bangkok for 18 years) as Associate Professor in Rural, Regional and Agricultural Development Planning. Finally, I became Senior Advisor with DANIDA in Bangladesh (resident in Noakhali for 10 years). I have conducted consultant studies for a range of agencies, including World Bank, ADB, the Mekong River Commission, the Government of the Netherlands, DfID, GIZ, DANIDA, World Fish, UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF and INGOs, ICCO Cooperation and Agricultural Development Denmark Asia. I have been semi-retired since 2015, with only the following substantial ‘research’ (consultancy) project inputs, Feasibility Study on Incorporation of Food Security Issues in the Context of Climate Change in the CDSP Project Areas, Technical Report No.11, Char Development and Settlement Project, Phase IV, 2016, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Bangladesh; Manual of the Future Implementation of Projects under the Royally-initiated and Special Projects Division (RISPD) of the Department of Fisheries: A Roadmap in line with the Sustainable Development Goals Framework (2019); Royally-initiated and Special Projects Division, Department of Fisheries and Pid Thong Lang Phra Foundation, Bangkok. My research interests include the fields of agricultural and rural development for small-scale ‘family farmers’ with special focus on extension methods (especially participatory approaches such as the Farmer Field School) and the development of farmers’ organizations, including water users’ associations, co-operatives and rural producer /community-based organizations. I have been active in linking such groups to agricultural markets and in developing their relations with local governments. I have conducted studies on the role of local governments in rural development.  I have developed a particular interest in small-scale aquaculture, termed ‘Rural Aquaculture’ as a recognition of the poverty focus, and latterly this has extended to community-based fisheries/wetlands management/waterlogged paddies. My focus has been mainly on approaches which benefit the rural poor, with some particular focus on women. I have also conducted studies related to environmental issues and Climate Change.   I have authored /co-authored 56 technical reports and 83 articles, books and chapters, contributions in proceedings (click here).   Prof. Harvey Demaine’s unique approach to rural development, and his commitment to research and its impact on society will be greatly recognized and appreciated. With our deepest condolences. CIRDAP Secretariat 24 August, 2022

CIRDAP celebrated its 43rd anniversary (6th July) and for launched the World Rural Development Day on 25th July, 2022. Honorable Secretary of Rural Development and Cooperative Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Md. Moshiur Rahman embraced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Representatives of Embassies of the CIRDAP Member States, Head and Representatives of organization partners, CIRDAP Mentor and Staff also gathered to celebrate the joyous moment of celebration. At the onset of the celebration, the guests and participants remembered the former Director General (DG) late Mr. A.T.M Shamsul Haque (who passed away on 20 July 2022) in a minute of silence. The DG CIRDAP Dr. Cherdsak Virapat welcomed the guests by his warm speech. In his speech, On behalf of the Chairman of the Governing Council of CIRDAP, H.E. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Royal Thai Government and the Secretariat, DG CIRDAP expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives for hosting of CIRDAP, for the ongoing contributions and steadfast support throughout the last 43 years since the establishment in 1979. He also thanked the staff of CIRDAP and colleagues who have been working on the preparation of this event. To read his full speech, please click the link below: Click here After DG’s speech, as a Chief Guest, the Secretary Mr. Md. Moshiur Rahman provided his statement. He said, “I would like to extend my best wishes and heartiest congratulations to CIRDAP on the occasion of its 43rd anniversary. 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” To read the full statement, please click the link below: Click here The participants engaged in a lively discussion and sharing thoughts and perspectives on the launching of World Rural Development day and also on the various initiatives taken by CIRDAP over the years. At the end of the ceremony, a gift hamper was presented to the Secretary by DG CIRDAP and also each of the guests and staff got one SDG pin. Here are few snapshots of the event: