The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development have entered into a new partnership aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture and improving the long term impact of rural development projects across the world.
The agreement reflects the United Arab Emirates’ continued commitment to global cooperation in food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
The partnership was signed during the World Government Summit by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. IFAD is the only international financial institution fully dedicated to transforming rural economies and supporting small scale farmers.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work closely to improve co financing mechanisms for sovereign agricultural projects included in IFAD’s portfolio. The framework sets clear foundations for collaboration in project selection, financing and evaluation, while respecting the regulatory and operational policies of each party. By aligning procedures and coordinating approval processes, the partnership aims to make better use of available resources and increase the overall development impact of funded projects.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said, “This agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development reflects our ambitious vision to build strong partnerships with leading international financial institutions, based on the integration of efforts and coordination of implementation and evaluation processes. It supports the development of sustainable agricultural projects that focus on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving quality of life in rural areas, and enhancing communities’ ability to adapt to various climatic and economic changes.”
Alvaro Lario said, “Our strategic partnership with ADFD creates an advanced model for coordinated investment, maximizing our impact on rural economies. Through this institutional framework, we will mobilize resources and expertise to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and build climate resilience in rural communities.”
The collaboration marks an important step forward in the relationship between ADFD and IFAD. It opens the door to deeper cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building, while reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting rural communities. Through joint action and coordinated investment, the partnership aims to help communities strengthen their resilience, expand economic opportunities and build a more sustainable future.
