On 18 July 2025, TARA and AARDO signed an MoU to advance sustainable rural development across Asia and Africa, focusing on green technology, rural livelihoods, and policy support. The partnership aims to empower local communities through joint initiatives and capacity building for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.
#SouthSouthPartnership
TARA and AARDO members at Development Alternatives Headquarters
On 18 July 2025, TARA and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) signed an MoU to advance sustainable rural development across Asia and Africa. The agreement was formalised by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of AARDO, and Dr. Ashok Khosla, Chairman of the Development Alternatives Group, in the presence of senior leadership from both organisations.
This partnership builds on shared priorities: climate resilience, clean technology, and rural livelihoods. AARDO brings together 36 member countries across two continents. TARA contributes decades of experience in green technology deployment and grassroots enterprise models.
The collaboration aims to design south-south technology transfer packages focused on income generation, clean enterprise, and resource efficiency. These will be tailored to the context of AARDO member countries, using local materials and knowledge systems. The plan also includes adapting TARA’s rural enterprise models to strengthen local economies and generate green jobs, especially for women and migrants.
Policy influence is another key pillar. Joint studies, GHG inventorisation, and policy briefs will support governments in integrating sustainability into national development plans.
The MoU further outlines capacity-building efforts: training programmes, expert exchanges, and regional workshops to equip institutions and individuals with the tools to scale effective solutions.
“This partnership reflects the shared DNA of both organisations: empowering rural communities,” said Dr. Khosla. Dr. Nardeosingh echoed this sentiment, calling it a milestone for South-South collaboration.
Together, AARDO and TARA aim to catalyse a greener, more inclusive future led by rural communities themselves.
Signing of MoU between AARDO and TARA on 18 July 2025
Glimpses of MoU signing between TARA and AARDO
Glimpses of MoU signing between TARA and AARDO
Glimpses of MoU signing between TARA and AARDO