Dr Maryam Mariya, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, has departed for Italy to participate in the 48th session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council. This session, scheduled for 12 and 13 February at IFAD's headquarters in Rome, will centre on the theme "Eradicating Hunger and Poverty by 2030."
The meeting will include comprehensive discussions aimed at identifying and addressing critical issues within the global agricultural sector. Particular emphasis will be placed on the challenges faced by the fisheries and agricultural sectors of small island states. These deliberations aim to develop enhancements that strengthen food security policies.
Ministers, representatives of nation states, and experts in the agricultural sector will gather at the session to share valuable information and experiences to promote agricultural development.
The agriculture ministry expressed optimism about the potential benefits of these international forums. According to the ministry, such gatherings are instrumental in advancing the country’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities to receive expert advice, foster cooperation, and garner support to bolster food security policies.
Key discussions at the 48th Governing Council session will focus on catalysing investment at the "first mile" to support vulnerable rural populations, according to IFAD. The session will also aim to unlock the potential of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty by strengthening policies and leveraging partnerships, as well as addressing climate change and sustainable development through innovative financial instruments and strategic actions to tackle agricultural and rural development challenges.