India Advocates Enhanced Ties Between Asia and Africa for Food Security and Climate Resilience
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Synopsis
India has underscored the crucial need for a collaborative vision and enhanced South-South cooperation in addressing food security, climate resilience, and digital empowerment, aiming to extend development initiatives to the most isolated villages in the Asia-Africa region.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of Collective Vision
- South-South Cooperation in Food Security
- Climate Resilience Strategies
- Digital Empowerment for Rural Areas
- Community-Driven Development
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) India highlighted the importance of a shared vision and strengthened South-South cooperation regarding food security, climate resilience, and digital empowerment as essential steps to drive development to the most isolated villages across the Asia-Africa region.
During his address at the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) meeting, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani stated: "Our journey is interconnected, and our advancement must be collaborative. Each of us should be dedicated to learning from one another and ensuring that development reaches even the farthest villages across Asia and Africa."
In the concluding session of AARDO, he emphasized that the collective vision that has emerged from the rice fields of Asia to the diverse landscapes of Africa reflects the aspirations of our communities seeking the same future characterized by dignity, opportunity, and progress.
"The unified vision derived from the recent brainstorming sessions of the 21st AARDO will undoubtedly enhance the strong bonds between the Asia and Africa regions, significantly contributing to realizing the dreams of the people here," he remarked.
Pemmasani continued, "It is both a privilege and a responsibility to assume the presidency of AARDO. The organization's initiatives and discussions on food security, climate resilience, and digital empowerment are not merely policies; they are pathways to the future."
He asserted that development flourishes when it is rooted in the community, bolstered by local knowledge, technology, and South-South cooperation.
Expressing gratitude to the participants for their insights, camaraderie, and unity, Dr. Pemmasani stated that this forum would reinvigorate commitment and vision for a stronger purpose united in the mission of development.
The establishment of the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) in 1962 highlighted the foresight of social and political leaders from Asia and Africa who recognized the necessity for collaborative efforts in agriculture and rural development.
AARDO, one of the pioneering examples of South-South cooperation in rural development within the Afro-Asian region, operates as an autonomous inter-governmental organization comprising member countries from Africa and Asia.
The organization was founded to foster coordinated efforts, share experiences, and promote cooperative actions aimed at advancing rural area development objectives.
AARDO, a non-political entity, enjoys observer status with various UN and other international organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNESCO, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Furthermore, it encourages collaboration with diverse international organizations to enhance the economic and social welfare of rural communities.
