Joint Statement by FAO, IFAD, and WFP at the United Nations General Assembly – 80th Session, Second Committee: Agenda Items 16 and 17 on Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for[...]

Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, thank you for giving me the floor.

I'm pleased to give this statement on behalf of FAO, IFAD and WFP.

We note the report of the Secretary General and welcome the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

The Compromiso de Sevilla emphasizes the following key issues:

1. First, the importance of investing in agrifood systems transformation, using a long-term, strategic approach. Agrifood systems are a vital pillar of the global economy, offering significant returns on investment, and a critical entry-point for food crisis prevention and mitigation.
2. Second, the need to use resources more catalytically. This includes mobilizing domestic resources - where we welcome the commitment to better consider food security, nutrition and sustainability of agrifood systems in fiscal programming - and using public resources to crowd-in private finance through risk-sharing mechanisms.
3. Third, the central role that Public Development Banks can play in assembling finance from all sources to support locally-led solutions.
4. Fourth, the call for the development of comprehensive risk management and insurance markets, with solutions for smallholder farmers, including women farmers, cooperatives, MSMEs, and other stakeholders.
5. Fifth, the promotion of the productive use of remittances, as well as access to affordable and inclusive digital financial services, which are essential to reducing inequality and unlocking opportunity in rural areas.
6. Finally, financing models should align humanitarian, development and peace objectives-linking risk reduction, social protection and adaptation to protect livelihoods and ensure lasting food security, as building resilience is critical to sustaining progress in agrifood systems and reducing the need for recurring humanitarian support.

We hope the Committee will reflect these important achievements in its work. FAO, IFAD and WFP stand ready to support the Committee's deliberations and to turn commitments into action, drawing from each of our unique experiences on the ground.

Thank you.