Planning Workshop for CIRDAP National Coordinators Held
The CIRDAP National Coordinators’ Planning Workshop 2019, the first of its kind, was held on 11th-13th March 2019 at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Cumilla, Bangladesh. The key objectives of the workshop were: (i) to provide better understanding of CIRDAP system and processes; (ii) to plan and propose CIRDAP biannual programme 2020-2021 for the Policy bodies (Governing Council, Executive Committee, Technical Committee) consideration; (iii) to strengthen the management of programme activities; and (iv) to strengthen Networking amongst the Secretariat, CIRDAP member countries, their rural development Link Institutes and other development partners. The workshop was attended by Coordinators or Coordinator’s Representative of all CIRDAP Member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Additionally, observers from the member countries and representatives from partner organisations also attended the workshop. The meeting started with an Inaugural Ceremony on 10th March 2019. Mr. Robert D. Simpson, the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative for Bangladesh, was present as the Chief Guest of programme and inaugurated the ceremony. Noting the involvement of FAO is the establishment of CIRDAP, Mr. Simpson stressed that it is important for CIRDAP to reflect on its activities, progress, and challenges to identify the gaps for the future in order to align with the global changes and move forward together. He suggested that similarity and commonalities among the CMCs to be noted, however, it is to be noted that ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution is not an option. He reiterate that FAO will continue working with CIRDAP and other partners to achieve the common goals. Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau gave the welcome remarks and stressed upon importance of organising the workshop. As per the Goal one of the CIRDAP’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022 that emphasis upon the need to strengthen coordination on between CIRDAP, the CMCs, CLIs and development partners. CIRDAP Member Countries’ National Coordinators were appointed to act as focal point of coordination between the Secretariat and other Members Countries especially on programme activities. In view of this, CIRDAP organised the Workshop to orient the National Coordinator on CIRDAP porgramme and activities.
