Rome, 13 February 2025 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) today reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating agrifood systems transformation through enhanced collaboration, building on the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Joint Action Plan. The agreement was highlighted during a high-level meeting between FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu and IsDB President H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser in Rome.  

FAO and the IsDB have focused on addressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, Food insecurity and rural development, with an emphasis on mobilizing tailored investments in climate-smart agriculture and commodity value chain innovation. The IsDB has provided support for FAO’s work in building the resilience of rural populations in fragile contexts, most recently through investments to rehabilitate irrigation systems in key agricultural production areas of eastern Afghanistan.

“FAO values IsDB’s leadership in fostering South-South cooperation and financing inclusive rural transformation,” said Dr. QU Dongyu. “This partnership leverages our technical expertise to empower smallholder farmers and build resilience in vulnerable communities.”  

“H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser reaffirmed IsDB’s commitment, stating: ‘Our partnership with FAO is a strategic alignment with the Bank’s Food Security Response Programme and Climate Action Plan. By leveraging our collective expertise, we can drive innovative solutions that accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.’”

Media Contacts: 

Ismael Koroma – IKoroma@isdb.org, IsDB Communications and Outreach Department

Boilerplate: 
About FAO 
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and transform agrifood systems. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. 

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