President Macron of France has met with UN Goodwill Ambassadors Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba, ahead of announcing a fresh contribution to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
“We are delighted that President Macron has joined many countries, including those from Africa, who have increased their pledges to IFAD, and we hope other leaders and countries will follow their lead,” said Idris and Sabrina Dhowre Elba following the announcement.
“At a time when every country is experiencing hardship from the pandemic, we need more than ever the political vision to tackle our interlinked climate, health and economic emergencies.
“Investing in sustainable agriculture and rural areas not only creates economic opportunities for a better and more equal future, but can also help safeguard our planet.“
“I am convinced our partners will follow”
President Emmanuel Macron called on global leaders to step up their commitments in support of long-term agricultural development, saying, “Climate change, biodiversity and food are all correlated. Agriculture is key.
“I am convinced our partners will follow.”
This was among a series of commitments he made during the One Planet Summit. France will increase funds to IFAD by 50 per cent, for its work in 2022-2024.
IFAD reports that while the rural poor produce 50 per cent of the world’s food calories, on 30 per cent of the world’s agricultural land, many live in poverty unable to feed their families.
IFAD has called on its Member States to increase contributions to its Twelfth Replenishment. It plans a programme of work costing at least US$11 billion between 2022 and 2024 to support global food security.
