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International Policy Roundtable for Local Governance and Rural Development Farmington Hotel, Margibi Country, Liberia

8-12 June 2026

H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, the Secretary General, AARDO, participated in the International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development, jointly organized by the Government of Liberia and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), held at the Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, Liberia, from 8-12 June 2026. H.E. the Secretary General was accompanied by Mr. Kamal Dhameja, Head of the Capacity Building and Development Programmes (CBDP) and Administration Divisions, AARDO.

The Roundtable brought together ministers, parliamentarians, policymakers, local government authorities, development partners, academics, technical experts, and delegates from AARDO Member Countries to deliberate on policy approaches and practical strategies for strengthening local governance and advancing inclusive rural transformation. The Roundtable served as an important platform for exchanging experiences, sharing innovative ideas, and identifying actionable policy measures to accelerate rural development through strengthened local governance, institutional effectiveness, digital transformation, climate resilience, agricultural modernization, cooperative development, and community participation. The event, which targeted the nexus of Local Governance and Rural Development, was aligned with the Government of Liberia's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), with emphasis on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism as key pillars of National Development.

The Roundtable had twelve (12) Plenary Sessions, and various technical group discussions. During the Roundtable deliberations, in Plenary Session 5 on "Peer Learning Presentations and Moderated Discussion", H.E. the Secretary General underscored the critical importance of strengthening local governance systems and decentralized institutions as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. He emphasized that in an increasingly complex global environment marked by economic uncertainty, climate challenges, food insecurity, and evolving development priorities, empowered local institutions and active community participation remain fundamental to achieving resilient and people-centred development.

H.E. the Secretary General also highlighted the close alignment between Liberia's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and AARDO's Strategic Framework 2021-2030, particularly in areas such as local governance strengthening, food and nutrition security, climate resilience, digital transformation, entrepreneurship development, women and youth empowerment, institutional capacity building, knowledge management, and technology transfer. He further highlighted the value of peer learning, knowledge exchange, and South-South Cooperation towards enabling countries to share successful experiences and innovative governance practices. Drawing upon examples from AARDO Member Countries, he stressed that effective local governance, supported by institutional capacity-building, technology adoption, and collaborative partnerships, was essential for improving service delivery, enhancing local accountability, and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals. He reaffirmed AARDO's commitment to supporting member countries through human resource development, technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening local governance and rural development.

On the sidelines of the Roundtable, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, held a number of bilateral engagements with distinguished dignitaries to further strengthen cooperation and institutional partnerships.

H.E. the Secretary General met with Prof. Jonathan C. Taylor, Vice President and Executive Dean of the University of Liberia, to discuss opportunities for academic collaboration, capacity development, knowledge exchange, and research partnerships. Discussions focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in areas related to governance, rural development, human resource development, and institutional strengthening.

He had discussions with the representative of various institutions, International Stakeholders and the African Development Bank to consider implementing joint initiative and projects. His Excellency the Secretary General also met H.E. Mr. Manoj Bihari Verma, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Liberia, and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest as well as explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in development initiatives, building, education, and South-South partnership programmes. A key outcome of the International Policy Roundtable was the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration on Inclusive Rural Transformation, which was unanimously endorsed by participants representing governments, local authorities, parliamentarians, development partners, academic institutions, research organizations, civil society organizations, cooperative bodies, and delegates from AARDO Member Countries.

The Declaration reaffirmed the collective commitment of stakeholders to promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rural transformation through strengthened local governance, decentralized development, innovation, and enhanced South-South Cooperation. It underscored the importance of empowering local institutions, encouraging active citizen participation, improving public service delivery, and fostering community-driven development processes. The Declaration also expressed support for the Government of Liberia's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and recognized its strategic priorities as important drivers of national and rural transformation. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen institutional effectiveness, accelerate digital transformation, promote climate resilience, modernize agriculture, expand cooperative development, and enhance community participation as essential elements for achieving sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

The Monrovia Declaration, which was unanimously adopted in Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, on 12 June 2026, reflecting the shared resolve of participating stakeholders to advance people-centred rural development through strengthened governance systems, innovation, partnerships, and international cooperation, was handed over to the Hon’ble Minister F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Liberia, for transmission to the Hon’ble Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koug, Sr., and His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of Republic of Liberia. The adoption of the Monrovia Declaration marked a significant milestone in consolidating collective efforts towards resilient local governance systems and people-centred rural transformation, laying the foundation for enhanced collaboration and future action among participating countries and institutions.

Proceeding and Declaration of the Roundtable will further strengthen partnerships among governments, academic institutions, development organizations, and other stakeholders, while reinforcing the importance of South-South Cooperation in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

AARDO and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, Signed Memorandum of Understanding

22 June 2026

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University (SNU), Republic of Korea, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership for promoting agricultural education, research, innovation, capacity building, and sustainable rural development. The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, and Prof. Byeong-Cheorl Kang, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing scientific collaboration and human resource development for the benefit of AARDO member countries. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, enjoys an international reputation as one of Asia's leading institutions in agricultural education, research, and innovation. Recognized for its excellence in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, smart agriculture, food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable rural development, CALS has produced globally acclaimed research and highly skilled professionals who have significantly contributed to agricultural transformation and food security worldwide. The partnership with CALS marks another important milestone in AARDO's efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge and technologies to its member countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding has established a comprehensive framework for long-term collaboration between AARDO and CALS across a broad range of strategic areas. It emphasizes Capacity Building and Human Resource Development through specialized training programmes, workshops, seminars, expert lectures, study visits, and exchange of faculty, researchers, scientists, and professionals. Under Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer, the two institutions can undertake collaborative research, promote the development and dissemination of affordable and appropriate technologies, and encourage innovation to address emerging challenges in agriculture and rural development. The MoU also provides for dissemination of knowledge and technologies pertaining to Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems, focusing on precision agriculture, digital farming, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, food security, and sustainable natural resource management. Under Knowledge Management and Expert Networking, AARDO and CALS will promote the exchange of publications, technical information, research outputs, and best practices, while establishing a Databank of Experts to facilitate technical cooperation, advisory services, collaborative research, and expert missions for the benefit of AARDO member countries. The MoU further encourages Joint Projects, Policy Dialogue and Institutional Networking through collaborative pilot projects, international conferences, policy consultations, academic partnerships, and technology demonstrations to strengthen institutional linkages and promote South-South and Triangular Cooperation for sustainable agricultural and rural development across Africa and Asia.

A significant feature of the partnership is the establishment of a framework for Master's and Ph.D. scholarship programmes at CALS for qualified candidates from AARDO member countries. The scholarships will provide access to world-class academic programmes, internationally renowned faculty, advanced laboratories, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Scholars will gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and research in precision agriculture, biotechnology, genomics, digital agriculture, food systems, climate adaptation, and sustainable rural development. This generous offer is expected to strengthen the technical and professional capacities of young researchers, academicians, and government officials, enabling them to contribute effectively to agricultural modernization, food security, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking in their respective countries. It will also foster long-term academic linkages between AARDO member countries and Seoul National University, creating opportunities for future collaborative research and institutional partnerships.

The collaboration reflects AARDO's continued commitment to promoting excellence in agricultural education, research, and innovation under its Strategic Framework 2021–2030. By leveraging the academic excellence and global expertise of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, the partnership is expected to strengthen human capital, promote knowledge exchange, facilitate technology transfer, and contribute to sustainable agricultural and rural development across Africa and Asia through enhanced South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

AARDO International Webinar Series of E-Lectures on “Climate-Resilient Agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (CRAF-SALM)”

08 May 2026

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) organized an International Webinar, under its E-Lecture Series, on “Climate-Resilient Agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (CRAF-SALM)”, on 08 May 2026, through virtual mode.

The webinar aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening the technical understanding of Climate-Resilient Agroforestry Practices and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management approaches that enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration. The programme also promoted knowledge sharing on biodiversity conservation, soil and water management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and nature-based solutions for resilient agricultural systems.

The webinar was attended by a total of 106 participants from 21 AARDO member countries, namely, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Zambia, and 03 prospective member countries (Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger). These participants were government officials, researchers, academicians, development practitioners, and other stakeholders engaged in agriculture, environment, climate change, and rural development.

The programme was ably facilitated by Dr. Khushnood Ali, Head Research and PP&P Divisions, AARDO who coordinated and steered the entire session and ensured its smooth conduct. On behalf of H.E. the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General of AARDO, Dr. Khushnood Ali, welcomed the distinguished participants and introduced the Resource Person.

The technical session was conducted by Dr. Hishmi Jamil Husain, who is an internationally recognized sustainability and environmental expert with over two decades of global experience in biodiversity conservation, climate change, corporate sustainability, and natural resource management. Dr. Hishmi has worked with leading international institutions and corporations, including Tata Steel, Rio Tinto, and ARAMCO, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is widely recognized for his expertise in climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and sustainable development practices.

During his presentation, Dr. Hishmi elaborated on the concept and significance of climate-resilient agroforestry and sustainable agricultural land management as integrated approaches for sustainable land use. He highlighted the importance of integrating trees with crops and livestock systems to improve soil fertility, enhance water retention, reduce erosion and land degradation, and strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

He also extensively addressed key thematic areas such as: (i) the role of agroforestry in climate resilience, (ii) sustainable land management practices, (iii) biodiversity conservation, (iv) climate change adaptation and mitigation, (v) promotion of nature-based solutions, and (vi) practical case studies demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices. He further emphasized the role of climate-smart and ecosystem-based approaches in restoring degraded lands, enhancing farm productivity, and improving rural livelihoods while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

The webinar concluded with an interactive Question and Answer Session, during which participants actively engaged with the resource person on various practical and policy-related issues concerning climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land management.

Followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Mitika Chopra, Technical Officer-I (PR), AARDO who expressed sincere appreciation to the distinguished resource person, Dr. Hishmi Jamil Husain, for his insightful and enriching presentation, and to Dr. Khushnood Ali for ably facilitating and ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of the programme. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed AARDO’s continued commitment to advancing knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and collaborative learning for promoting sustainable agricultural and rural development across Africa and Asia.

Liaison Committee 86th Session

30th April 2026

The 86th Session of the Liaison Committee of African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) was held on 30th April 2026 at the LaLiT Hotel, New Delhi, India, chaired by Mr. Lal Chanddama, Joint Secretary (IC), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Republic of India, and the Hon’ble Chairman of the AARDO Liaison Committee. H. E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO attended the meeting as Member Secretary to the Liaison Committee. The Session was attended by twenty-two (22) delegates from seventeen 17) member countries, namely, Burkina Faso, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Zambia. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Indonesia and Mali, as Observers and by Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General, AARDO.

The Session began with an address of H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, who warmly welcomed the chairperson and other distinguished delegates to the 86th Session, followed by the address of Mr. Lala Chanddama, Hon’ble Chairman of the Liaison Committee. The quorum being complete, the Business Session started with the adoption of its Provisional Agenda, followed by the adoption of the Summary Report of the 85th Session of Liaison Committee by the House. The Liaison Committee was apprised of follow-up actions taken/proposed to be taken by the AARDO Secretariat on the decisions/recommendations of the 85th Session of Liaison Committee. The Committee equally took note of a comprehensive review of AARDO activities relating to the Human Resource Development (HRD) Programmes, Development Pilot Projects and the Regional Offices. The Committee was also informed about the status of Membership Contribution and initiatives taken by the AARDO Secretariat to strengthen the Member Relations and expand membership of AARDO for the period, July – December 2025. It equally took cognizance of the projected programmes of AARDO scheduled to be held/being held from January to June 2026.

Subsequently, the Committee decided to hold its next (86th) Session on 29 October 2026 and, also approved a list of Special Invitees to attend therein, as Observers. Several agenda items were presented using comprehensive audio-visual ppt. presentations.

The meeting concluded with a note of thanks to the participating delegates, by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardesosingh, Secretary General, AARDO and Mr. Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretary (IC), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Republic of India, and the Hon’ble Chairman of the Liaison committee of AARDO. Lastly, a group photograph of the distinguished delegates was captured.

International Training Programme on “Social Safety Nets: Challenges and Opportunities”, Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), Islamabad, Pakistan

06–09 April 2026

African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), Government of Pakistan and the Regional Office of AARDO for South and Central Asia, successfully organized above programme at AHKNCRD, Islamabad, Pakistan during 06-09 April 2026. The main objectives of the programme were to discuss the concept of Social Safety Net Programmes and their importance for poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in Africa and Asia; to provide an overview and assess the impact of various Social Safety Net Programmes; and to offer a forum for sharing relevant experiences and strategies regarding the role of social safety nets in reducing poverty and ensuring sustainable development in African and Asian countries.

This training programme was attended by One Hundred and Seven (107) participants from Twenty two (22) AARDO member countries, namely Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia and two (02) participants from potential member countries, namely Indonesia and Nepal. The wide participation reflected the growing importance of social safety nets in addressing poverty, inequality, and socio-economic vulnerabilities across developing nations.

The inauguration of the programme was held on 06 April 2026. Mr. Israr Mohammad Khan, Director General, AHKNCRD, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the critical role of social safety nets in alleviating poverty and fostering inclusive development. He emphasized the importance of innovation, institutional strengthening, and capacity building to enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, Mr. Rami Qtaishat, Assistant Secretary General, AARDO, for their continued support in organizing this important programme.

H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, delivered the inaugural address underlined and the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing among member countries. He emphasized that strong and well-integrated social protection systems are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. He highlighted that the world is currently confronted with multiple and interconnected challenges, including economic uncertainties, climate change, environmental degradation, rising cost of living, and potential health crises, all of which disproportionately impact the poor and vulnerable sections of society. He noted that although many countries have made commendable progress in establishing and expanding such programmes ranging from food subsidies and cash transfers to pensions, education support, and livelihood initiatives there remains a pressing need for continuous innovation, expansion, and institutional strengthening to ensure their long-term sustainability and effectiveness. Drawing on empirical evidence, he pointed out that well-designed and efficiently implemented social protection systems can significantly reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and improve livelihood opportunities.

During the course of deliberation, special emphasis was given to Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiatives. Detailed presentations were made on the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), which focuses on community-driven development and livelihood support, and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which utilizes data-driven targeting mechanisms such as the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) to ensure transparency and effective delivery of benefits. These programmes were recognized as significant contributors to poverty reduction and social inclusion. The training also showcased the role of institutions such as Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal in providing financial assistance, healthcare support, and educational services to vulnerable populations. Additionally, the innovative interest-free microfinance model of the Akhuwat Foundation was presented as a successful example of community-based and faith-driven financial inclusion, promoting entrepreneurship without the burden of interest.

Throughout the deliberations, participants engaged in interactive discussions and shared experiences from their respective countries. Key challenges identified included issues related to targeting and inclusion errors, limited financial resources, lack of coordination among programmes, and outdated data systems. At the same time, several opportunities were highlighted, such as leveraging digital technologies for improved service delivery, promoting integrated social protection systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and adopting evidence-based policy-making approaches.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session in which Dr. Abdul Rehman Khan Niazi, Director Training, AHKNCRD, presented the key insights and outcomes of the training programme. Dr. Khushnood Ali delivered the valedictory address, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment among member countries to strengthen social safety net systems. Participants expressed their appreciation to AARDO and AHKNCRD for organizing a highly informative and impactful programme and shared positive feedback on the knowledge gained.

The training programme successfully provided a comprehensive platform for understanding the complexities of social safety nets and exploring practical strategies for their effective implementation. It reinforced the importance of inclusive, transparent, and sustainable social protection systems in achieving equitable development and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations across AARDO member countries.

International Online Training Programme on Cooperative Enterprise Models for MSMEs Growth & Market Access

16–19 March 2026

The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), New Delhi, successfully organized an International Online Training Programme on “Cooperative Enterprise Models for MSMEs Growth & Market Access” from 16–19 March 2026. The programme witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 200 registered participants from 23 member and prospective countries registering, providing a truly diverse and dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cross-country learning on cooperative-led enterprise development.

The programme commenced with an Inaugural Session on 16 March 2026 (02:00–02:30 PM IST) which began with a welcome address and programme briefing by Sh. Vivek Yadav, Assistant Director, NCUI, followed by introductory remarks by Ms. Sandhya Kapoor, Director, NCUI. The Guest of Honour, Sh. Siddharth Jain, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry o Cooperatives & Administrator, NCUI, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening cooperative enterprises. The session was further enriched by the Inaugural Address by H.E. the Secretary General, AARDO, who emphasized AARDO’s role in promoting South-South cooperation and cooperative-led MSME growth. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by AARDO official.

The technical sessions of the programme were comprehensive, practical, and highly engaging, covering critical dimensions of cooperative enterprise development for MSMEs. The sessions began with an in-depth exploration of cooperative enterprise models for MSME growth, followed by deliberations on digitalization of cooperatives to enhance transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness. Furthermore, sessions on collective branding and market positioning, along with packaging, labelling, and compliance with market standards, provided ample practical insights into improving product visibility and meeting quality benchmarks.

Special sessions focused on supply chain integration and value chain development, enabling participants to understand strategies for optimizing production systems and improving market linkages. The programme also highlighted digital transformation initiatives, cooperative-led e-commerce platforms, and integration with digital marketplaces. In addition, sessions on domestic and global market access strategies, export readiness, certifications, and sustainability compliance equipped participants with essential knowledge to expand into international markets.

Throughout the programme, participants actively engaged in discussions, shared country-specific experiences, and exchanged best practices, making the learning process highly interactive and enriching.

The programme concluded with a Valedictory Session, delivered by Mr. Kamal Dhameja, Head, CB&DP and Administration Divisions, AARDO who appreciated the enthusiastic participation of delegates from diverse countries and acknowledged the valuable contributions of NCUI and the expert faculty. He emphasized that cooperative enterprises were key instruments for inclusive growth, rural employment generation, and sustainable development. He encouraged participants to effectively utilize the knowledge gained and continue fostering collaboration across borders. Reaffirming AARDO’s commitment, he highlighted the organization’s continued efforts to strengthen capacities of member countries through such impactful initiatives.

The programme concluded on a highly positive note, with participants expressing their appreciation for the relevance, depth, and practical orientation of the sessions, making it a truly successful and impactful learning experience.

International online Training Programme on Water Resources Management: Principles and Practices with Special Emphasis on Groundwater

9 - 13 March 2026

The African Asian Rural Development Organization, in collaboration with the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), successfully organized an International online Training Programme on “Water Resources Management: Principles and Practices with Special Emphasis on Groundwater” from 9 to 13 March 2026. The programme was conducted by CGWB’s apex training institution, the Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research Institute, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

This programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of integrated water resource management (IWRM) principles and their practical application in sustainable groundwater governance. It focused on enhancing knowledge related to water quantity and quality management, ecosystem protection, and climate change adaptation strategies, while promoting evidence-based decision-making through innovative tools and technologies. The training programme received an overwhelming response, with 187 participants from 29 countries, including five eligible AARDO member nations. The wide and diverse participation reflected AARDO’s continued commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and technical cooperation among developing countries. Participants comprised senior government officials, hydrologists, geologists, hydrogeologists, planners, researchers, academicians, and professionals actively engaged in the water resources sector.

The programme was inaugurated on 9 March 2026 by Mr. T. B. N. Singh, Member (Innovation & Rejuvenation), CGWB. The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Ranjan Kumar Ray, Regional Director, RGNGWTRI, and Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head (IEC Division), AARDO, along with senior officials from RGNGWTRI and AARDO. In his inaugural address, Mr. Singh highlighted the long-standing collaboration between CGWB and AARDO in strengthening the capacity of water resource professionals. Dr. Ray emphasized the critical importance of integrated water resource management in achieving climate-resilient groundwater governance and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Behera in his address, elaborated on the rationale for organizing the training programme and emphasized the need for continuous upskilling of professionals in the use of modern tools and technologies. Mr. Anirvan Choudhury, Scientist-D, RGNGWTRI & Course Director gave a brief introduction of the course objective, lecture schedule and the participants profile for this training. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Ramesh Jena, Scientist-C, RGNGWTRI and Co-Course Director of the training program.

The technical sessions were conducted under the academic leadership of Dr. Ray and featured eminent resource persons from premier institutions including the National Water Academy (Pune), the National Institute of Hydrology (Roorkee), and Manav Rachna International University. The comprehensive curriculum covered key thematic areas such as integrated water resource management, groundwater science and its applied aspects, surface water management and basin planning, groundwater quality assessment and management, and emerging technologies for water resource management and climate adaptation.

The sessions combined structured expert lectures with interactive discussions, enabling participants to exchange field experiences, share best practices, and deliberate on region-specific challenges across diverse hydrogeological contexts. The online format ensured seamless global participation and effective dissemination of knowledge.

The valedictory session held on 13 March 2026 was addressed by Kamal Dhameja, Head, Administration and CB&DP Divisions, AARDO. Mr. Anirvan Choudhury, Scientist-D, RGNGWTRI & Course Director gave a brief report of the programme and highlighted various interventions by the participants. In his remarks, he summarized the key outcomes of the programme and expressed sincere appreciation to RGNGWTRI, the distinguished resource persons, participants, and collaborating organizations for their valuable contributions. He reiterated AARDO’s commitment to continuing such capacity-building initiatives in the field of water resources management.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the programme’s practical orientation, high-quality technical content, and interactive format. Participants also expressed keen interest in attending advanced and in-person training programmes in the future.

International Exposure Visit Programme On “Cooperative Business Model”, VAMNICOM, Pune, India

03-06 February 2026

The Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, and the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, India, successfully conducted an International Exposure Visit Programme on “Cooperative Business Model” from 3rd to 6th February 2026 at VAMNICOM, Pune, India.

The programme was organized with the objective of enhancing participants’ understanding of cooperative governance, management practices, and sustainable business approaches within the cooperative sector. A total of three participants from AARDO Member Countries — Eswatini, Mauritius, and Zambia participated in the programme. The four-day programme comprised a blend of classroom sessions and field exposure visits, enabling participants to gain both conceptual understanding and practical exposure to the functioning of cooperatives in India. The classroom sessions focused on important themes including cooperative business models, managerial and financial decision-making, governance mechanisms in cooperatives, and the contribution of cooperatives to rural and agricultural development.

As part of the exposure component, visits were arranged to leading cooperative institutions in and around Pune city. These included dairy cooperatives, consumer cooperative stores, multipurpose cooperative societies, agricultural development institutions, fertilizer cooperatives, and cooperative financial institutions, including banks. The visits offered participants an opportunity to observe best practices related to member participation, value addition, financial management, and the application of modern technologies in cooperative operations.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session during which participants shared their experiences and presented action plans for applying the knowledge and lessons gained in their respective countries. The exposure visit provided meaningful insights into strengthening cooperative systems, encouraging service diversification, and improving financial sustainability at the grassroots level. Certificates were awarded to all participants upon successful completion of the programme, reaffirming CICTAB’s continued commitment to fostering international cooperation and strengthening capacity-building initiatives in the cooperative sector.

International Online Training Programme on Advances and Challenges in Global Sustainable Agriculture

19- 22 January 2026

The African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), in collaboration with Harper Adams University (HAU), United Kingdom, successfully organized a four-day International Online Training Programme on “Advances and Challenges in Global Sustainable Agriculture.” The programme emphasized the urgent need to transform agricultural and food systems in response to climate change, environmental degradation, resource constraints, and global food and nutrition security challenges. It provided a valuable international platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and science-based solutions aimed at building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural systems.

The programme received an overwhelming response, 236 delegates from twenty-eight (28) AARDO Member Countries registered for participation, namely Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Zambia, along with participants from four (04) prospective AARDO Member Countries, namely Togo, Tanzania, Seychelles, and South Africa. The wide geographical representation reflects the strong global interest in sustainable agriculture and cross-regional learning.

The inaugural session commenced with an introduction by Prof. Mitch Crook, Programme Coordinator, Harper Adams University. This was followed by a welcome address delivered by Ken Sloan, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Harper Adams University. Professor Sloan emphasized the University’s commitment to global engagement in agricultural education, applied research, and innovation, and highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing contemporary and emerging agricultural challenges.

The session was equally addressed by H.E Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO. Who underscored the growing pressures on global agriculture and food systems arising from climate change, resource scarcity, population growth, and nutritional inequalities. He emphasized the need to transform food systems to be both people-positive and planet-positive, and called for collective action to scale up research-driven and proven solutions to sustain farmers’ livelihoods, expand consumer choices, and restore ecological balance.

The four days technical sessions of the programme offered comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the major dimensions of global sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on practical, science-based, and field-oriented solutions. The sessions examined the effective implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a key strategy to reduce dependence on chemical inputs while maintaining crop productivity and ecological balance. Significant focus was placed on soil health and regenerative agricultural approaches, highlighting the importance of soil biodiversity, organic matter management, and conservation practices in enhancing long-term farm sustainability and resilience to climate stress.

The role of ruminants and sustainable grazing systems was discussed in detail, emphasizing the need to balance environmental sustainability with the nutritional, economic, and livelihood benefits of livestock-based farming systems. In addition, the sessions showcased recent technological advances in sustainable agriculture, including precision agriculture, digital tools, and innovative farming technologies aimed at improving productivity, resource-use efficiency, and climate resilience. Through expert presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants gained practical insights and scalable solutions applicable across diverse agro-ecological conditions in AARDO Member Countries.

The Valedictory Session, held on 22 January 2026, marked the successful conclusion of the programme. During the session, Mitch Crook, Programme Coordinator, Harper Adams University, presented a comprehensive summary of the programme, highlighting key thematic discussions, learning outcomes, and the rich exchange of experiences among participants.

Subsequently, Mr. Kamal Dhameja, Head, CB&DP Division, African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), delivered the valedictory remarks. He expressed On behalf of AARDO, sincere appreciation to Harper Adams University for its excellent academic collaboration, institutional support, and expert contributions. He particularly extended his thanks to Prof. Mitch Crook and Prof. Edmore for their valuable academic inputs, professional guidance, and dedicated efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to all participants for their active engagement and meaningful contributions throughout the training programme. He expressed special appreciation for Mohsin Ali, Technical Officer, CB&DP Division, AARDO, for his excellent coordination. He further reaffirmed that AARDO and Harper Adams University would continue to work closely to explore concrete collaborative initiatives, including joint capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing programmes, for the benefit of AARDO Member Countries.

The training programme was highly appreciated by participants for its relevance, quality of deliberations, and practical orientation. The successful collaboration between AARDO and Harper Adams University reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening the capacities of AARDO Member Countries in building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready food systems.