Rajgir, 12th December 2025: The Asian Confluence and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), in collaboration with Nalanda University and the Musubi-Te Foundation, hosted the regional workshop titled "Cross Asian Dialogue on Rural Development – Challenges and Opportunities" at Nalanda University, Bihar, India, from December 7 to 11, 2025. 

The workshop brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders from India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand to reflect on how inclusive and innovative approaches can enhance the resilience of rural societies across Asia. Over five days, the workshop featured distinguished lectures, thematic sessions, a field excursion, and a study tour, creating a comprehensive platform to explore the evolving opportunities and challenges of rural development and revitalisation in Asia. 

The distinguished addresses by Dr Ricky A. Syngkon, Member of Parliament, Meghalaya; Dr Nobuko Kayashima, Executive Director, SPF; Mr Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence; Dr Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University; and Dr Kosuke Motani, Chief Economist, The Japan Research Institute set the tone for the workshop. These were followed by expert presentations and dialogues on rural revitalisation, sustainability, governance, livelihoods, and emerging models of regional innovation.

Thematic Sessions Included:

Session 1: What is ‘Rural Revitalisation’?

Session 2: Designing the Future of Your Region

Session 3: Local Sustainability in Practice: Environmental, Cultural, and Economic Coexistence

Session 4: Empowering Your Region

Session 5: Perspectives from National/International Agencies

Session 6: Solution Pitches by India–Japan Startups

A full-day study tour to Pilkhi and Rehrui villages provided the delegates with firsthand exposure to rural life in Bihar, offering insights into local governance, agriculture, social dynamics, and community life. An excursion to Bodhgaya and the Nalanda Mahavihara ruins, organised by the Asian Confluence, offered a reflective and culturally immersive conclusion to the programme. The visit to the Mahabodhi Temple complex highlighted the region’s deep spiritual heritage, while the tour of the ancient Nalanda University ruins underscored its historic significance as a global centre of learning. 

Mr Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence, said, “Bringing together practitioners, scholars, and community leaders from across Asia has reaffirmed the immense value of regional dialogue. This workshop demonstrates how collective learning and shared purpose can inspire practical solutions that strengthen rural communities. Asian Confluence remains deeply committed to advancing collaboration that supports inclusive and sustainable development across the region.”

Mr Kenichiro Iwahori, Program Officer, Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), said, “The workshop has provided a valuable platform for constructive dialogue on the future of rural development in Asia. The perspectives shared by participants underscore both the diversity of regional contexts and the common priorities that bind us. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation remains committed to supporting  collaboration and initiatives that advance resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural communities across the region.”

The workshop marks an important step toward stronger regional collaboration on rural development. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across Asia, the programme built a shared understanding of workable solutions and ways to promote inclusive growth. Asian Confluence remains committed to supporting continued knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and joint action to help rural communities across the region become more resilient and prosperous.