ABU DHABI, 07 Feb. - (ANA) - Underscoring the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to strengthening global partnerships in support of sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed an agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the only International Financial Institution exclusively focused on rural transformation, to enhance co financing mechanisms and support the sustainability of agricultural projects.

 

The agreement was signed during the World Government Summit by His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Mr Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

 

The partnership agreement aims to establish clear foundations for collaboration in the selection and financing of sovereign projects included within IFAD’s portfolio, ensuring alignment of financing efforts and coordination of evaluation and approval processes, while considering the regulatory frameworks and operational policies of both parties. This contributes to enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation and maximising the developmental impact of projects.

 

Commenting on the agreement His Excellency 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.”

 

Mr Alvaro Lario stated: “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.”

 

This collaboration represents a qualitative milestone in the partnership between ADFD and IFAD, and establishes a promising phase of joint action, capacity building, and integration of roles, in a manner that strengthens the future of communities and supports their ability to grow and progress.

 

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$25 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/07 February 2026  - - -