World Rural Development Day : Commemorative Ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw

The World Rural Development Day was marked for the first time in Myanmar at a ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday. Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe gave an opening speech, noting the importance of rural development in reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas.

He highlighted that 69% of Myanmar's population lives in rural areas and stressed the government’s commitment to their development. The Union Minister emphasized collaboration among government departments, communities, private sector, UN agencies, and NGOs for sustainable rural transformation.

The event featured video messages from Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and development project showcases and panel discussions on policy priorities and regional cooperation. Awards were also presented to top-performing rural development departments from Shan State South, Ayeyawady Region, and Nay Pyi Taw.

The ceremony also included photo exhibition on rural development by relevant ministries. The theme, “Harnessing Rural Strength to Transform Our World,” encouraged continued efforts in building strong rural communities. From 1998 to 2010, Myanmar drafted Rural Development Plan to implement infrastructure and basic services such as roads, water access, health and education.

From 2011 to 2015, the poverty reduction programs and strategic plans were implement. In alignment with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP), efforts are continued for rural development from 2016 to 2020. From 2021 onwards, focus has been made on food security, job creation, small and medium enterprises, and integrated rural development.