CIRDAP is pleased to announce the release of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Rural Development (APJORD), Volume 35, Issue 1, June, 2025. As a flagship publication of CIRDAP, APJORD continues to serve as a critical platform for addressing key issues and fostering discussions on Rural Development, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This bi-annual academic journal is designed to provide a forum for academics, policymakers, NGOs, research scholars and all other stakeholders interested in IRD to exchange insights, field observations, and empirical research on rural development. If you are interested in access to full journal, kindly visit this link below: https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/jrda/35/1 #APJORD #RuralDevelopment #CIRDAP #AsiaPacific #AcademicJournal#EmpiricalResearch #KnowledgeSharing

The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), and the Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS) jointly released the World Rural Development Day (WRDD) poster at a special event held on June 18, 2025 at the NIRDPR campus, Hyderabad, India.The event highlighted powerful messages from the chief guest, Prof. Anil K. Gupta, founder of the Honey Bee Network, advocating for rural enterprise models and grassroots innovations.HE. Dr. P Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, announced a special outreach program initiated by REEDS, supported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, where political leaders and state officials will engage directly with rural communities on July 6, 2025—the day of WRDD. Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, DG NIRDPR, emphasized reviving global attention on rural development through platforms like WRDD.The event witnessed participation from representatives of 11 CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs), including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Fiji, Philippines, Bangladesh, and India—underscoring the growing international cooperation in addressing rural development challenges and promoting inclusive growth. WRDD2025 #RuralDevelopment #CIRDAP #Innovation #InclusiveGrowth #GrassrootsToGlobal #REEDS #NIRDPR

CIRDAP and NIRDPR successfully concluded the International Training Programme on “Innovation in Rural Development: Policies to Practices – Learning” under the CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit, held from 15–22 June 2025 at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, India. The valedictory session held on June 21, 2025, featured welcome and course reflections by Dr. Kesava Rao, Associate Professor NIRDPR, followed by sharing experience by participants from Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Key remarks were delivered by HE. Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, DG CIRDAP, and HE. Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, DG NIRDPR. The event concluded with certificate distribution, a vote of thanks by FAM Zakirul Huq, Head of Administration, CIRDAP and a group photo, marking the culmination of a week filled with learning, exchange, and collaboration. #CIRDAP #NIRDPR #RuralDevelopment #InnovationInAction #KnowledgeSharing

CIRDAP is proud to share that HE Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Seminar on Extension Education Strategies for Digital Agriculture: Experiences and Sustainable Pathways, held on 20 June 2025 at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, India. The award recognises his remarkable professional contributions and achievements in the field of Agricultural Extension Management. On this prestigious occasion, Dr. Shekara also delivered the keynote address on “Digital Agriculture and Practice of Extension”, highlighting innovations and future directions in the sector. The conference was jointly organized by the International Society of Extension Education (INSEE) and OUAT, Odisha. CIRDAP extends heartfelt congratulations to DG Dr. Shekara on this well-deserved honour! #CIRDAP #DigitalAgriculture #ExtensionEducation #Leadership #LifetimeAchievement #INSEE #OUAT #RuralDevelopment

On 18 June 2025, CIRDAP and the Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower rural communities, promote innovation-driven enterprises, and foster cross-border knowledge exchange across the Asia-Pacific. The MoU was signed by FAM Zakirul Huq, Head of Administration, CIRDAP, and Dr. Anamika Dey, CEO, GIAN, in the presence of HE. Dr. P Chandra Shekara, Director General, CIRDAP, and Prof. Anil K. Gupta, Founder of GIAN and faculty at NIRDPR, along with PGD-RDM students and distinguished representatives from CIRDAP member countries. In his keynote address, Prof. Gupta emphasized the urgency of giving “voice, visibility, and velocity” to grassroots innovations for inclusive and sustainable rural development. #CIRDAP #GrassrootsInnovation #InclusiveDevelopment #AsiaPacific #RuralEmpowerment

CIRDAP and NIRDPR have jointly launched the International Training Programme on “Innovation in Rural Development: Policies to Practices – Learning”, held from 15th–22nd June 2025 at the NIRDPR Campus, Hyderabad, India. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP, and Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General of NIRDPR. The 11 representatives from CIRDAP member countries – Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have participated in this groundbreaking initiative. This marks the second programme under the CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit, aimed at fostering innovation and best practices in rural development across the Asia-Pacific region. CIRDAP #NIRDPR #RuralDevelopment #Innovation #KnowledgeCircuit #InternationalCollaboration #CIRDAP2025

CIRDAP is proud to feature Ms. Zahra Goudarzi from the Islamic Republic of Iran, selected for the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development Management (PGDRDM), 2025–26 Batch-23 at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), India. Nominated by CIRDAP and funded by the Government of India, this one-year residential programme empowers international in-service professionals with advanced knowledge in rural development. With over 10 years of experience as an Agricultural Extension Expert at the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad and holding a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Education, Ms. Goudarzi brings a wealth of expertise to the global rural development community. #CIRDAP #NIRDPR #PGDRDM #IRIran #RuralDevelopment #WomenInDevelopment #CapacityBuilding

CIRDAP is proud to feature Ms. Amele Rosalia from Fiji, selected for the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development Management (PGDRDM) 2025–26, Batch-23 at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), India, nominated by CIRDAP and funded by the Government of India. Ms. Rosalia brings over 6 years of experience in rural development as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). With academic qualifications in Information Systems and Industrial Relations & Human Resources, she is set to enhance her professional capacity through this one-year residential programme designed for international in-service professionals. We congratulate her and look forward to her contributions in advancing rural transformation in Fiji and beyond.