Rural areas worldwide find themselves in a state of crisis, bearing the weight of 45% of the global population and grappling with multifaceted challenges like poverty, malnutrition, and a substandard quality of life.

The disparity is stark, with the global poverty rate standing at 17% in rural regions, nearly double the 7% recorded in urban areas.

A staggering 70% of the world's extremely poor reside in rural areas, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to alleviate the prevailing conditions.

As we approach the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate objectives, it becomes increasingly crucial to expedite systematic rural development.

The aim is to transform rural areas into productive, sustainable, climate-resilient, healthy, and attractive places to live. This transformation is essential to ensure no population segment is left behind in pursuing global development objectives.

Rural revitalization is a key strategy in this endeavor, extending beyond agricultural development. While agriculture plays a pivotal role in rural economies, revitalization efforts encompass the broader development of non-agricultural industries.

Infusing cutting-edge technology and innovation is essential to catalyze rural economic growth. Simultaneously, focusing on rural revitalization can substantially enhance the equalization of basic public services for rural residents.

Concrete examples from countries like Bangladesh underscore the impact of targeted interventions. Improvements in rural infrastructure, such as roads, have yielded significant reductions in extreme poverty by 3 to 6%.

Additionally, investments in rural education, such as enhancing secondary school enrollment for both boys and girls, contribute to the multifaceted benefits of rural revitalization.

A critical aspect of rural revitalization is its potential to enhance governance structures and ensure the effective delivery of high-quality public services at the local level. Recognizing this, the 2018 Central Government Document No. 1 comprehensively outlines the rural revitalization strategy.

The emphasis lies on narrowing the income gap between urban and rural residents, enhancing the overall quality of life in rural areas, and establishing a new, robust rural governance system.

The collaborative efforts of international organizations are also noteworthy in addressing rural challenges.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), released the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032 report. This comprehensive report anticipates a slower growth rate in global agriculture and food production over the next decade, influenced by demographic trends.

The report outlines key references for the medium-term outlook in agricultural markets, highlighting potential challenges such as geopolitical tensions, unfavorable climatic trends, and increased volatility in the prices of farming inputs.

Despite these challenges, the projections suggest a positive trajectory, anticipating a 1.1% average annual growth rate in global plantation, livestock, and fisheries production over the next decade.

However, the report also underscores the need for caution, emphasizing that these projections hinge on assumptions of easing inflationary pressures, normal weather conditions, and the absence of major policy changes. Persistent inflationary pressures pose downside risks to global food demand and production.

While the global trajectory appears positive, it is evident that progress needs acceleration. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu rightly emphasizes the significance of expediting the transition to sustainable agri-food systems, underlining its potential to create better lives for all and ensure that no one is left behind in pursuing global development goals.