AARDO Conference Concludes with Strengthened Asia-Africa Cooperation

New Delhi: The 21st African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) Conference concluded with a strong commitment to fostering deeper bonds between Asia and Africa, emphasizing food security, climate resilience, and digital empowerment. Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, in his concluding address, highlighted the collective vision that emerged from the discussions, which he said would shape the future of rural development in both regions.

Dr. Pemmasani noted that the deliberations over the past few days had reinforced a shared aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and progress among the people of Asia and Africa. He emphasized that the insights drawn from the rice fields of Asia to the landscapes of Africa reflect a common desire for inclusive and sustainable development.

Taking over the AARDO presidency, Dr. Pemmasani termed it both a privilege and a responsibility, stating that the discussions held at the conference were not just about policies but about building a resilient and prosperous future. He stressed that the outcomes of the conference reaffirmed that development efforts are most effective when rooted in community-driven initiatives, backed by local knowledge, technology, and South-South cooperation.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to AARDO’s objectives, the Minister underscored that progress must be collective, and that every participating nation should work toward ensuring that development reaches even the most remote villages across Asia and Africa. He expressed gratitude to the delegates for their contributions and emphasized that the conference had laid the foundation for a renewed commitment and a unified mission to drive rural development forward.

With the 21st AARDO conference drawing to a close, the participating nations now look ahead to translating these discussions into actionable strategies, fostering a future of stronger cooperation and inclusive growth between Asia and Africa.