Kathmandu: The Agriculture and Rural Development Division of the SAARC Secretariat on July 24, convened the Partners’ Consultation on Regional Priorities, Partnerships and Future Programmes for the SAARC Agriculture Center (SAC) and the SAARC Process in a hybrid format at the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu.
The consultation was graced by Ms. Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal and the Chairperson of the Governing Board of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) as the Chief Guest and chaired by Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (Agriculture & Rural Development), SAARC Secretariat.
Representatives from World Bank, WFP, IFAD, WHO, FAO, Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Plan International, CANSA, Good Neighbors International, Heifer International, VSO international, Triangle, IWMI, LiBird, Shushilan, Shisuk, HarvestPlus Solution along with regional and development partners, participated in the consultation and held in-depth discussions on Regional Priorities, Partnerships and Future Programmes for SAC and the SAARC Process.
From the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dr. Harunur Rashid, Director and the Senior Program Specialists (SPSs) of the centre based in Dhaka joined the consultation virtually.
During the consultation, participating organizations highlighted their priority areas of work, ongoing regional initiatives, and identified areas of common interest for collaboration with the SAARC Secretariat and the SAARC Agriculture Center. The discussions emphasized strengthening partnerships, enhancing regional coordination, mobilizing technical expertise and resources, and fostering collaborative programmes to advance sustainable agriculture, food security, rural development, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods across South Asia.
The consultation reaffirmed the shared commitment of SAARC and its development partners to work together in addressing the region’s emerging agricultural and rural development challenges through enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships.
