The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), an intergovernmental and autonomous organization established in 1979 under an international agreement facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, continues its mission to improve rural livelihoods across the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, CIRDAP currently comprises 15 member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, and actively works toward expanding its membership.
Since its inception, CIRDAP has been dedicated to promoting integrated rural development through knowledge sharing, policy support, and capacity-building initiatives. Its programs focus on enhancing the quality of life of rural communities and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across member countries.
In line with this mission, CIRDAP, in collaboration with its MoU partner Rural Economic and Educational Development Society (REEDS), has recently launched the International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026. This initiative aims to identify, support, and promote low-cost, locally driven innovations emerging from CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs) that address complex rural challenges while strengthening regional cooperation.
The Challenge invites participation from all 15 member countries. Submissions will be evaluated by an eminent jury committee, and the five most promising innovations will each receive a cash award along with Certificates of Recognition. An additional ten innovations will be honored with Certificates of Appreciation. All submissions will be documented and published in an international compendium, highlighting innovative practices across the region.
- Last Date of Submission : 28 February 2026
Awardees will also have the unique opportunity to present their innovations at an International Conference in Sri Lanka, where they can engage with policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts, sharing their work and scaling its impact.
For more information, including guidelines for participation, please refer to the brochure and poster available on the CIRDAP website.
CIRDAP encourages active participation and invites stakeholders to share this initiative widely to foster collaboration and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Contact Details:
Ms. Hurain Jannat, Communication Officer, CIRDAP communication
communication_officer@cirdap.org
WhatsApp: +880 1741589228
