The agreement will enable the two institutions to strengthen their synergies and complementarity, at a time when current global challenges, including the fight against hunger, migration, climate change, youth employment, and nutrition require a coordinated and heightened response
On the margins of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Patrick Gomes, Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and Gilbert Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed a letter of intent to intensify collaboration between the two institutions and support the implementation of development goals in their common Member States.
Following the signing ceremony, Mr. Houngbo stated that “it is crucial that our synergies be strengthened, as we seek to ramp up efforts to eliminate hunger and poverty, while offering a sustainable future and an alternative to migration, to rural youth.”
The agreement will enable the two institutions to strengthen their synergies and complementarity, at a time when current global challenges, including the fight against hunger, migration, climate change, youth employment, and nutrition require a coordinated and heightened response.
IFAD and the ACP Group plan to intensify their collaboration in several areas of common interest, including joint financing, research, studies, and policy dialogue.
IFAD is already a partner of ACP governments, in the design and financing of rural and agricultural development programmes.
Its loan and grant portfolio provides support for 106 ongoing projects in ACP countries, including 93 in Africa. In 2018, 18 new projects are expected to be launched, for a total amount of USD 466 million in loans. IFAD also supports innovation by financing specific projects and is engaged in policy dialogue on countries’ agricultural and rural development issues.
