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Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow signed an MOU with Dr. S.A. Dave Centre for Centre for Research and Teaching in Finance, housed in the Mumbai School of Economics and Public Policy, University of Mumbai. The two institutions will collaborate on developing training programs, certificate courses and diplomas in areas of Climate Change, Climate Finance and Sustainable Development. One of the major focal points of this MOU is a Certificate Course in the niche area of Climate Finance, which BIRD, Lucknow will offer to students of the University. As part of the program, students would benefit from learning at the Experiential Climate Change Lab at BIRD, Lucknow. Students of the University would also benefit from internships at BIRD, Lucknow. Additionally, the institutions would collaborate on research as well as organizing policy dialogues in the form of seminars and roundtables.

BIRD Bharat Mahotsav 2025

Grameen Bharat Mahotsav (GBM) 2025, an initiative of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), is being organised at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi between 04 – 09 January 2025 with an aim of celebrating Rural India's entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage, with the theme 'Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047’ and motto “गांव बढ़े, तो देश बढ़े”. GBM was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi in the august presence of Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman & Hon’ble MoS for Finance Shri. Pankaj Chaudhary.
The Mahotsav, through various discussions, workshops and masterclasses, aims to enhance rural infrastructure, create self-reliant economies, and foster innovation within rural communities. Its objectives include promoting economic stability and financial security among rural populations, with a special focus on North-East India, by addressing financial inclusion and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
A significant focus of the Mahotsav will be to empower rural women through entrepreneurship; bring together government officials, thought leaders, rural entrepreneurs, artisans and stakeholders from diverse sectors to build a roadmap for collaborative and collective rural transformation; encourage discussions around leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance rural livelihoods; and showcase India's rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions.
As a part of the mega event, @150 stalls have been set up to showcase not only GI products but also promote the artisans across various States of India.
NABARD has set up a Theme Pavillion, wherein the Experiential Learning Centre for Climate Change of Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow is also participating. Through an innovative demonstration of simulation models for climate change, 360° VR videos, impacts of climate change on various sectors, understanding of climate finance instruments and calculation of individual carbon footprint, the stall serves to facilitate a better understanding of the hazards posed by climate change in order to develop locally adaptative solutions to negate the adverse effects of climate change.

Virtual Exchange and Capacity Building Programme on DAE Accreditation Process of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with Sri Lanka

As a part of the capacity building initiatives for international participants, BIRD has commenced a 4 day Virtual Exchange programme for representatives from 05 entities in Sri Lanka, who have evinced interest in becoming a Direct Access Entity (DACE) of the Green Climate Fund on 11 November 2021.

Welcoming the participants, Shri Shankar A Pande, Director, highlighted the unique position of NABARD and BIRD in the climate finance landscape, especially in the Asia Pacific and African regions. He emphasised that a majority of the $88 billion portfolio is largely focussed on initiatives pertaining to sustainable finance and adaptation measures. Appreciating the efforts made by the participating institutions as also the Government of Sri Lanka, Director, BIRD expressed that BIRD would definitely fulfil the desired capacity building requirements and stressed on the need for developing multilateral partnerships.
Shri C S R Murthy, CGM, FSDD, NABARD, HO shared NABARD’s perspective on climate with the participants and pointed out that since inception, NABARD has been actively associated with piloting and mainstreaming of a number of sustainable finance models, including watershed development and tribal development
Sharing the expectations of the climatically vulnerable tropical island nation, Ms Kumudini Nilanthi, Director (Climate Change), Ministry of Environment, Government of Sri Lanka appreciated the support received from BIRD and NABARD for organisation of the Exchange programme and expressed the need for developing DAEs at the national level.
Thereafter representatives from Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Hatton National Bank PLC, NDB Bank PLC, HDFC PLC, and Industrial Services Bureau (ISB) shared their expectations from the programme.