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An international intergovernmental organization is an entity formed by the governments of various foreign countries to coordinate government policy and/or action on targeted issues. The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) is one type of an international organization.
Formation/Members
In 1976, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a meeting to discuss the idea of a multilateral group that would coordinate the efforts of rural development efforts in various countries. The governments attending the FAO meeting agreed to name that group the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific. CIRDAP did not actually begin work until 1979, however, after the formal agreement to establish it came into force. CIRDAP has over a dozen member countries.
Purpose and Services
The purpose of CIRDAP is to promote cooperation among Asian-Pacific countries on the issue of integrated rural development. Specifically, the organization seeks to improve the living conditions of rural populations, including farmers. It does this by providing assistance and support to the efforts of its member countries through training courses, evaluation of country programs, and dissemination of information.
Structure
CIRDAP is led by its Governing Council, which meets every other year to formulate the organization's policy and programs and set its budget. The Council consists of one foreign minister from each member nation, usually a minister of agriculture or rural development. An Executive Committee is in place to advise the Council and oversee CIRDAP matters between Council meetings. The Executive Committee meets annually. CIRDAP also has a Technical Committee that meets annually. The Technical Committee is an advisory body that gives the organization input on the implementation of its programs.
Finally, CIRDAP has a Secretariat that handles administrative matters for the organization. The Secretariat is led by a Director General who is elected by the Governing Council for a four-year term.
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