48th Session of the IFAD Governing Council RBA Award of Excellence Ceremony Remarks

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My Esteemed Colleagues, the President of IFAD and the Executive Director of WFP,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning. 

I am so pleased to join you today in celebrating the RBA Award of Excellence.

I wish to thank IFAD for reviving this important award, which provides an opportunity to take a closer look at the collaborative efforts between our three agencies dealing with global issues related to food and agriculture.

RBA collaboration takes many forms and takes place at all levels, but it is at the country level where the most tangible results are needed and achieved.

Our colleagues based in Cameroon, Peru, the Pacific Islands and Türkiye have shown to be excellent examples of how to effectively, efficiently and coherently catalyze impact on the ground, and they have successfully demonstrated what can be achieved when we work together, and with a holistic design

I extend my warm congratulations to Peru and the Pacific Islands for their outstanding achievements as this year’s RBA Awardees.

In Peru, our country teams have driven policy transformation by strengthening public procurement systems, scaling benefits to millions, and enhancing national food security strategies.

In the Pacific Islands, our joint efforts have promoted inclusivity and sustainability, with a strong focus on gender equality and climate resilience.

Together, we have improved food security through our joint efforts in supporting the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.

Together, we have promoted rural development, empowered communities, including indigenous and local communities, and promoted women and youth.

Together, we have worked to ensure the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind.

These successes serve as a blueprint to further strengthen our future collaboration.

As we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that solidarity, partnerships and collaboration, together with political will and commitment, are critical to address global challenges by identifying the solutions need and ensuring their effective implementation to achieve transformation – a transformation that will ensure a better future for all.

FAO is committed to continue working together with our sister agencies IFAD and WFP, and beyond, in a systematic manner, and playing a complementary role.

And together, we continue to count on the collective support of our Members.

Congratulations once again to the winners of the RBA Award of Excellence!

Thank you to IFAD for organizing this successful event.

I thank you.