Global leaders harness the power of innovation for small-scale farmers at IFAD’s 47th Governing Council

IFAD’s 47th GOVERNING COUNCIL

WHEN: 14-15 February, 2024

WHAT: Heads of state, ministers, development and innovation experts and representatives of small-scale farmers from all over the world will gather in Rome to participate in the International Fund for International Development (IFAD)’s annual Governing Council.

This year, the two days will focus on harnessing the power of innovation to build a future where food security and decent livelihoods are accessible to small-scale farmers and rural producers in developing countries. New approaches are needed now to address the complex and intertwined challenges including climate change, political fragmentation, conflicts, economic instability, inequalities and the emergence of frontier technologies, which characterise today’s world and have a significant impact on the poorest rural populations.

WHERE: IFAD headquarters in Rome, Via Paolo di Dono, 44.

HOW: Get accredited to attend in person or follow some sessions via webcast.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR MEDIA

Inaugural ceremony

The inaugural ceremony will feature

• Alvaro Lario, President, IFAD 

Wednesday 14 February 2024, 10:15 (CET), in person or follow by webcast

Press conference

Join us for a press conference with Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation and Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD. They will provide their unique insights into global food security, future challenges for rural populations and how small-scale farmers can build resilience through the use of technology and innovation.

Wednesday 14 February 2024, 12:45-13:15 (CET), IFAD Oval Room, in person only.

IFAD Talk: Action for inclusive growth in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)

Join us for an enlightening talk by Tufts University Professor Chakravorti, a distinguished figure in the intersection of AI and rural development. In this visionary talk, he will unveil innovative AI-driven solutions poised to revolutionize rural development. His insights will point to immediate real-life applicability, actionable strategies for implementation and tangible impacts on underserved rural populations.

Wednesday 14 February, 11:00 – 11:45 (CET),  in person or follow live webcast.

Champion of Change: Celebrating transformative pathways to a nourished future  

Women’s empowerment and financial inclusion are central to IFAD’s work. Celebrate the 2024 IFAD Gender Awardees with us. The ceremony will recognise  outstanding rural development projects from Bolivia, Cambodia, Ghana, Madagascar and Montenegro that have adopted transformative and innovative approaches in promoting women’s economic empowerment and equal participation in rural communities.

Wednesday 14 February, 12:00-12:40 (CET), in person or follow live webcast

Marketplace of Innovations

In an interactive marketplace discover eleven ground-breaking  innovations that have delivered positive results for rural populations around the globe and helped IFAD increase its business efficiency and transparency. The innovations feature frontier technologies such as AI, blockchain, Web3, geospatial analysis and combining them with the use of traditional knowledge to enhance rural people’s wellbeing.

Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 February. 9:30-17:00 (CET) In person only.

Rural people innovating for a resilient future

This session is an opportunity to immerse oneself into the realities of rural communities and discover how they manage ecosystems, cope with climate change and produce nutritious foods in difficult conditions. It will take you to a virtual field trip in Ghana. You will hear Kevin Perkins, Farm Radio International Executive Director on the power of radio to raise farmers’ voices and share their experience. Award-winning food writer and chef Sophie Grigson will share her recent experience of cooking local ingredients with small-scale farmers in Malawi as part of IFAD’s Recipes for Change. Moderated by ex-BBC and Aljazeera journalist and broadcaster Redi Tlhabi.

Thursday 15 February, 15:00 – 16:30 (CET) – In person or follow live webcast.

Interview opportunities – interviews will be possible with:

Gladys H. Morales, IFAD Global head of Innovation

Ndaya Beltchika, IFAD Senior Technical Lead for gender and social inclusion

Other IFAD experts available

Accreditation to the Governing Council and the press conference

Deadline to request accreditation is 17:00 (CET) on Monday 12 February 2024.

Please email [email protected] with "Press Accreditation" in the subject line and attach:

• a copy of a valid press card or letter of assignment on company stationery;
• a copy of a valid ID (passport, identity card).

Please have all ID materials with you to gain access to IFAD premises.

For more information on the accreditation process: [email protected]

A workspace will be available for journalists in IFAD media centre - Qatar room. Refreshments will be served. Light lunch will be available at 13:30. 

More information and complete IFAD Governing Council programme

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IFAD Media Advisory 02/2024

For more information or interview requests: