I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the CIRDAP community and their family members on the occasion of 42nd Anniversary of CIRDAP and 100th anniversary of CIRDAP House. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not able to invite the Government officers of Bangladesh, diplomatic missions of CIRDAP member countries and collaborative partners and friends to attend the event as planned. However, our gathering today will be considered as one of our historical moments.
On behalf of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), it is my privilege to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the CIRDAP community as it celebrates the 100th Anniversary of CIRDAP House since its opening in 1920. As the host of CIRDAP, the Government of Bangladesh granted Chameli House to CIRDAP in 1984 for use as its office and headquarters. In this regard, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Government of Bangladesh, Host country of CIRDAP for its unwavering support and cooperation with the organization.
On 6 July 1979, the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) was established at the initiative of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with support from several other UN bodies and donors. The Centre came into being to meet the needs of the developing countries at that time as an institute for promoting integrated rural development in the region. CIRDAP has now grown up as a Centre with 15 member countries, namely: Afghanistan, Bangladesh (Host State), Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The organization plays important role in supporting and furthering the effectiveness of integrated rural development programmes in Asia and the Pacific Region.
Over the past 42 years, CIRDAP has promoted regional cooperation within the context of sustainable agriculture and integrated rural development. CIRDAP has conducted related research and development and sought to increase the human resource capability of its member states to improve the food security and livelihoods of rural communities, and to promote regional cooperation and collaboration in knowledge and technology transfer. CIRDAP has been entrusted with this responsibility, in particular, of advising member countries on policy interventions and comprehensive implementation of integrated rural development and poverty alleviation. The achievements of CIRDAP’s work during the past were presented and acknowledged in its 40th anniversary report in 2020.
To address CIRDAP House, it is indeed a site of historical significance in Bangladesh, surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in the city of Dhaka. To mark this wonderful milestone, the Administrative Office of CIRDAP has planned to organize a remarkable event since the end of last year.
On a personal note, I had a great opportunity to live in this house during the first three months on my arrival from September to November 2020. Perhaps, I am the only Director General to live in this beautiful house since 1984. This wonderful period of home office and hospitality at CIRDAP House will surely be kept in my memory.
Last but not least, I thank the organizers and the 100th Anniversary Committee for their hard work and dedication in bringing this event to fruition and offer best wishes for an outstanding year of celebration.
Thank you.
Dr. Cherdsak Virapat
Director General
CIRDAP
6th July 2021
