African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)

• Recently, the 21st African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) conference concluded in New Delhi, reaffirming commitment to community-driven rural development and South-South cooperation.
• Background of AARDO
  • Established in March 31, 1962, with the adoption of its Constitution in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Originated from East Asian Rural Reconstruction Conference (1955)in Tokyo.
  • Permanent headquarters established in New Delhi, India, in 1966.
• Objectives of AARDO
  • Improve food security, climate resilience, and digital empowerment.
  • Enhance South-South cooperation for sustainable rural development.
  • Strengthen local economies and rural livelihoods.

• Membership & Structure
  • Currently includes 33 member countriesfrom Asia and Africa.
  • Inter-governmental, non-political body with observer status in FAO & UNESCO.
  • Collaborates with international agencies for policy and programme implementation.
• Significance & Recent Developments
  • Promotes sustainable agriculture and digital transformation.
  • India emphasized collective vision and cooperation at a recent AARDO meeting.

Stressed community-driven initiatives for inclusive rural development.