LUSAKA, 13 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening rural development cooperation between Asia and Africa through its participation in the High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) organised by the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in Lusaka, Zambia.
The two-day dialogue, held from 11 to 12 November 2026, brought together representatives from 16 member countries to discuss rural development challenges, economic opportunities, community resilience and technological innovation.
Malaysia was represented by Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Suriani Ahmad, who presented the country’s strategic priorities for inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Malaysia was also given the honour of becoming the first country to deliver its National Policy Statement during the dialogue.
As a founding member of AARDO since 1962 and Vice-President for the Asian region for the 2025–2027 term, Malaysia shared its experience in developing basic infrastructure, reducing poverty, strengthening community economies and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
These priorities are aligned with the country’s 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
In his concluding remarks, AARDO Executive Committee President Rohit Kansal emphasised the need to strengthen the organisation’s role beyond capacity building by connecting expertise, innovation and practical solutions to address the needs of rural communities.
Among the proposals discussed were an annual Asia-Africa rural entrepreneurship conference, meetings on digital inclusion and a platform to assess rural development progress.
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The dialogue also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, knowledge sharing and closer cooperation among governments, research institutions, the private sector and rural communities.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah, the outcomes of the dialogue will contribute to AARDO’s Technical Programme Committee in refining its Technical Work Programme for 2028–2030.
The programme is expected to focus on initiatives that respond to member countries’ needs and deliver practical benefits to rural communities.
The closing ceremony on 12 November was officiated by Zambia’s Minister of Commerce and Export, Dr Caroline Kaunda Katotobwe.
Discussions are set to continue through the seventh AARDO Technical Programme Committee Meeting, aimed at further strengthening rural development cooperation among member countries.
Malaysia’s participation also provided opportunities to expand international partnerships, exchange knowledge and explore new approaches to rural development.– The Capital Post
