You are cordially invited to join another exciting collaborative Webinar in the CIRDAP Knowledge series, 2026, titled: ‘Climate -Informed Seasonal Flood Forecasting for Strengthening Rural Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh’.  Date: (Tuesday), August 25, 2026, at 11 am Bangladesh Time. Dr. Rashed Chowdhury, Applications Scientist, Independent Consultant || Water, Climate, & Society; Adjunct Faculty—Arizona State University || USA, will be graced as an esteemed speaker. Abstract of the talk Bangladesh’s rural communities are highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding, which threatens agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Existing flood forecasting systems provide reliable short-term warnings but offer limited support for seasonal agricultural planning and rural development. The webinar will be focused on developing climate-informed seasonal forecasts by integrating large-scale climate drivers, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), to predict monsoon rainfall and flood risk months in advance. The resulting seasonal outlooks will support informed decisions on crop planning, resource management, and disaster preparedness, strengthening rural resilience and reducing climate-related losses in Bangladesh. Webinar Link Topic: Webinar on ‘Climate-Informed Seasonal Flood Forecasting for Strengthening Rural Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh’ Time: Aug 25, 2026 11:00 AM Dhaka Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98216039450?pwd=vQ7kSj0SIiDgqF7xJwqz6rPBucsUnX.1 View meeting insights https://zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=f66efe2d-1eb5-471a-9dd3-d0ddd2261dc6 Meeting ID: 982 1603 9450 Passcode: 977412 — Join by SIP • 98216039450@zoomcrc.com Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/98216039450/invitations?signature=5LicuVNQQdYB7qAmeivY9ptzPuvzCiLhBxGe-oDbpOM

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world, and it is time to bring its power to our rural communities. The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) invite you to a premier collaborative international online training programme. 🌟 Programme Highlights Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for tech hubs. This intensive three day programme focuses on practical, ethical, and sustainable AI deployment specifically tailored for rural ecosystems and low connectivity environments.• Dates: 18 to 20 August 2026• Mode: Online via Zoom• Schedule: 2 sessions per day (90 minutes each, total 3 hours per day)• Registration Deadline: 10 August 2026, Free (Registration required) 🔑 Key Themes Covered• Foundations of AI and global policy trends• Rural data readiness and predictive planning• AI in agriculture, climate, healthcare, and education• Deployment architectures for low connectivity environments• Responsible AI, ethical governance, and community engagement• Actionable capstone exercise for field level execution 👥 Who Should ParticipateThis programme is designed for policymakers and government officials engaged in rural development planning, development practitioners and non-governmental organizations working at grassroots level, academics and researchers focusing on rural innovation, and technology innovators and entrepreneurs developing solutions for underserved communities. Registration Link: https://forms.gle/dXyeLF5PZTKQxnoq8 View the Brochure: Click here For any queries contact Dr. Venkatamallu Thadaboina, Programme Officer Learning, CIRDAPEmail: po_learning@cirdap.org, WhatsApp: +91 9866681774

CIRDAP in association with Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) is going to organize a Webinar on ‘‘Food Security – Green Bonds’.  Dr. Prasun Kumar Das Secretary General, APRACA, Bangkok, Thailand will be graced as esteemed speaker.  The webinar is scheduled on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11 am Bangladesh Time (12:00 PM Bangkok time) Meeting Link Topic: Webinar with APRACA on Food Security – Green Bonds Time: Aug 6, 2026 11:00 AM Dhaka Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95994324748?pwd=eD1AOhXqhfQ3ae9Eg5SDQZLNq2VKE9.1 Meeting ID: 959 9432 4748 Passcode: 489025 — Join by SIP • 95994324748@zoomcrc.com Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/95994324748/invitations?signature=xiWOPQenN0dpoit0eSJHt09tTL3uOoN4Vmqg8VAVJ0U Abstract Global food systems are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing food demand. According to the FAO, approximately 673 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, while more than 2.3 billion people experience moderate or severe food insecurity. At the same time, agriculture requires substantial investments to transition toward climate-resilient and sustainable production systems. Traditional public financing alone is insufficient to meet these investment needs. Innovative financial instruments, particularly Green Bonds, have emerged as an effective mechanism for mobilizing private capital to support environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agricultural investments. Food Security Green Bonds are thematic green bonds designed to finance projects that simultaneously enhance food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. They channel investment into climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation, renewable energy for agriculture, efficient water management, sustainable fisheries, agroforestry, soil restoration, and resilient rural infrastructure. These bonds provide governments, development banks, and financial institutions with an opportunity to attract institutional investors while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Under the Knowledge Series, a regional webinar on “Food Security – Green Bonds” would provide a platform to explore innovative financing mechanisms for resilient rural development and promote investment opportunities across CIRDAP Member Countries.

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: 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.

Under the CIRDAP Knowledge Series – 2026, CIRDAP in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) is going to organize a webinar titled ‘Villages to Net Zero: Solar Solutions for Climate Action in Rural Asia and the Pacific’. The Director General of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Mr. Ashish Khanna will be graced as the esteemed speaker of the webinar Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 Time: 2:30 PM Bangladesh Time (2:00 PM IST) As countries across Asia and the Pacific strive to achieve their climate commitments and net-zero targets, rural communities have a vital role to play in the transition toward a sustainable future. Solar energy offers a practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly solution to address energy poverty, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen climate resilience in rural areas. From powering homes, schools, health facilities, irrigation systems, and rural enterprises to supporting clean cooking and sustainable livelihoods, solar technologies are transforming villages into hubs of green development. By promoting decentralized renewable energy systems, enhancing energy access, and creating economic opportunities, solar solutions can accelerate rural development while contributing significantly to climate action. Empowering rural communities through solar innovation is therefore essential for building a resilient, inclusive, and net-zero future for the region. Link to join Topic: Webinar on ‘Villages to Net Zero: Solar Solutions for Climate Action in Rural Asia and the Pacific’ Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91748979967?pwd=yOh8A9zCIhdC4pZXlbAqiEta4wPCHE.1 Meeting ID: 917 4897 9967 Passcode: 443292 — Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/91748979967/invitations?signature=ZibcTNytJEotaDjSUI8hg_GGjI5AdyVv7Kq98WagsKg

On occasion of the International Year of Women Farmers, APAARI, together with ARINEENA, CACAARI, FARA, and CIRDAP, is jointly co-organizing a Webinar Series in 2026. The webinar titled ‘Women Farmers Leading Climate-Resilient Farming’, scheduled for 23 June 2026 at 3:00 PM (Bangkok Time)/2:00 PM (Dhaka Time) The webinar will focus on the following themes: Thank you very much for your continued support and collaboration. We look forward to your support in disseminating this invitation widely through your networks. Registration link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xA6MksA9RLKfTSUya36prg Note: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the meeting link to join the webinar.  

We are pleased to announce that CIRDAP and NIRDPR successfully organised the CIRDAP-NIRDPR Collaborative International Training programmes on “Building Resilient Rural Communities in a Changing Climate” at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, from 27 April to 2 May 2026. It is the last of three programmes sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, for the financial year 2025-26. The programme was attended by a total of 26 executives, including representatives from ten CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs), namely Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka and CIRDAP and NIRDPR representatives. See the detailed programme report: Click Here

We are pleased to announce that CIRDAP and NIRDPR successfully organised the CIRDAP-NIRDPR Collaborative International Training programmes on “Community Driven Approaches to Sustainable Rural Livelihoods” at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, from 13 to 18 April 2026. It is the second of three programmes sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, for the financial year 2025-26. The programme was attended by a total of 20 participants, including delegates from nine CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs), namely Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka and representatives from CIRDAP and NIRDPR. See the detailed programme report: Click Here

We are pleased to announce that CIRDAP and NIRDPR successfully organised the CIRDAP-NIRDPR Collaborative International Training programmes on “Geo-informatics Applications in Rural Development” at NIRDPR, Hyderabad, from 30th March to 4th April 2026. It is the first of three programmes sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, for the financial year 2025-26. The programme was attended by a total of 17 participants, including delegates from eight CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs), namely Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, and representatives from CIRDAP and NIRDPR. See the detailed programme report: Click Here