Synopsis: The Global Forum on Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD), in partnership with key institutions from Indonesia, Nigeria, and India, commemorated World Rural Development Day 2025 on 6th July through a high-impact virtual gathering. The event attracted 113 participants from 31 countries, including policymakers, academicians, and development professionals, who deliberated on strategies for building inclusive, sustainable, and equitable rural futures. The session underscored the importance of south-south cooperation, gender inclusion, and capacity building, while affirming the global community’s commitment to rural transformation. The event concluded with closing remarks from GFSRD-Asia and GFSRD-Africa heads, pledging continued collective action for global rural development.
Agartala (Tripura) Jul 7: The Global Forum on Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD), in collaboration with National Institute of Technology, Malang, Indonesia; Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Nigeria; University of Ilorin, Nigeria and Bolpur Manav Prem O Seva Sanstha (MPSS), India proudly celebrated World Rural Development Day on 6th July 2025 at 16:30 IST.
The virtual global gathering of 113 participants from 31 countries marked a significant milestone in bringing together rural development leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and academicians from around the world to deliberate on the challenges, innovations, and strategies for sustainable rural futures.
The formal welcome address was delivered by Prof. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, Former Professor, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Vice-President, GFSRD. India.
Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), India, presided over the event in his role as President, GFSRD and gave the initial remarks on rural poverty.
The programme was hosted by Smt. Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India and Vice-President of GFSRD. She discussed major challenges of rural development in present time.
The session welcomed distinguished guests Dr. Olufemi A. Oladunni, CEO & Executive Director, ARMTI who highlighted various aspects of rural development in Africa in general.
The event was graced by an esteemed panel of speakers representing a diverse spectrum of countries and institutions. Mr. Tapas Ranjan Chakraborty, BRAC, Bangladesh, Prof. Manas Mohan Adhikari, Former Vice-Chancellor, BCKV, India;; Ms. Abena Agyarkowa Otchere-Darko, Country Director, GFSRD-Ghana; Dr. Femi, Olabanji, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Mr. Anwar Ahmed Roble, Country Director, GFSRD-Somalia and Dr. Emmanuel Takor Ojong, Country Director, GFSRD-Cameroon.
The entire event was moderated by Dr. Jayanta Chaudhury, Founder & Secretary General, GFSRD.
The celebration aimed to reaffirm the commitment of global stakeholders toward achieving inclusive, sustainable, and equitable rural development. Speakers highlighted various grassroots innovations, regional perspectives, gender dimensions, and the critical role of capacity building in transforming rural landscapes.
World Rural Development Day 2025 also reiterated the importance of international cooperation and south-south collaboration, showcasing how collective efforts can accelerate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the rural context.
Dr. Maria Christina Endarwati, Indonesia Co-Founder & Head, GFSRD-Asia and Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Nigeria,Co-Founder & Head, GFSRD-Africa extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and partners for making this event a remarkable success and pledges to continue working towards rural transformation globally.
