RIS Celebrates 44th Foundation Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing the Voice of the Global South

RIS Celebrates 44th Foundation Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing the Voice of the Global South

New Delhi, 30 May 2026: The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) celebrated its 44th Foundation Day with distinguished policymakers, diplomats, scholars, former members of the institution, members of its Governing Council, and Research Advisory Council, reflecting on the institution’s enduring contribution to policy research and international development cooperation.

Delivering the Foundation Day Address, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, congratulated RIS on completing 44 years of service as a leading policy think tank.

Referring to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he underscored that India’s development journey is not solely about India’s own progress but is intrinsically linked to the advancement of the wider world, particularly the countries of the Global South. He highlighted the significant role played by RIS in generating evidence-based policy inputs and knowledge products that contribute to informed policymaking and strengthen the voice of developing countries in global forums.

Professor Ramesh Chand, Former Member, NITI Aayog, reminisced about his long association with RIS and reflected on its formative years. He observed that the role of think tanks has expanded considerably over the decades in response to emerging global challenges and increasing policy complexities. He commended RIS for continuously widening the scope of its research agenda and adapting to the rapidly evolving global environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Seshadri Chari, Member, Governing Council, RIS, noted that RIS has emerged as an increasingly influential policy think tank at a time when the global landscape has undergone profound transformations. He emphasized the institution’s growing relevance in addressing contemporary development challenges and contributing to strategic policy discourse.

Ms. Aparna Ray, Joint Secretary (PP&R), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, lauded RIS for its valuable contribution to international policy negotiations and its sustained support to the countries of the Global South. She highlighted the institution’s role in advancing key concepts and policy frameworks centred on inclusivity, equity, South-South cooperation, and sustainable development, which have become increasingly important in contemporary global governance discussions.

Earlier, Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General, RIS, traced the institution’s journey since its establishment in 1983. He noted that RIS was founded to address the need for a dedicated policy research institution capable of equipping developing countries with analytical inputs to navigate the complexities of international economic and political negotiations. Reflecting on the institution’s four-decade journey, Professor Sharma observed that RIS has become even more relevant in an era marked by the fragmentation of multilateral institutions, growing geopolitical uncertainties, and increasingly complex global challenges. He reaffirmed RIS’s commitment to generating high-quality policy research and advancing the developmental aspirations of the Global South.

As part of the 44th Foundation Day celebrations, RIS also organised a conference on “Strengthening India–Africa Partnership for Agricultural Transformation” in collaboration with DAKSHIN – Global South Centre of Excellence at RIS and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The conference brought together noted policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, industry representatives, and agricultural experts from across the world to deliberate on sustainable farming systems, climate-resilient agriculture, digital public infrastructure, agri-start-up ecosystems, and pathways for strengthening India–Africa cooperation in agricultural transformation. Through a series of technical sessions and a high-level panel discussion, participants exchanged experiences and best practices aimed at fostering inclusive, sustainable, and technology-driven agricultural development across Africa and the Global South.

The Foundation Day celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on RIS’s contributions over the past four decades and its continuing role in shaping policy discourse on development, economic cooperation, and global governance.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Prabir De, Professor, RIS, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, guests, scholars, partners, and participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the event.