The Global Donor Working Group on Land (GDWGL) focuses on three priority areas: land tenure and resource governance, country-level coordination, and the intersection of land governance and food systems. The GDWGL has played a key role in advocating for the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security, and in ensuring the inclusion of land indicators in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2024, the GDWGL held four meetings and convened in person during the World Bank Land Conference in Washington, D.C., on 12 May, where members established three broad objectives for their ongoing activities and priorities for their 2024–2026 work plan:

• enhancing collaboration among members and strengthening the GDWGL platform to align activities for greater impact;
• prioritizing global advocacy to elevate land issues on the policy agenda through key international frameworks;
• improving country-level coordination by fostering in-country collaboration and developing an online tracker for GDWGL land projects.

Ward Anseeuw (FAO) assumed the role of GDWGL Chair for two years, succeeding Gemma Betsema (the Netherlands Enterprise and Development Agency). The GDWGL organized a special session at the 2024 AGA on Reaching Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities through Enhanced Finance. Additionally, the group discussed the upcoming 2025 review of the SDG global indicator framework and the SDG Indicators Data Platform, where FAO serves as the custodian agency, exploring how the GDWGL can support land-related SDG indicators.

The group also facilitated discussions on and with representatives from the Rio Conventions, Convention on Biological Diversity and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, to ensure a reinforced, broader and better-coordinated approach to change across sectors. These efforts underscore the GDWGL’s commitment to strengthening land governance, improving financial accessibility and ensuring land remains a central focus in global policy discussions.

The SDG 2 Roadmap Working Group works towards developing consensus among donors on a roadmap for achieving SDG 2, while recognizing the multiple linkages with other SDGs.

In 2024, the TWG revised its Theory of Change and Terms of Reference to include a specific emphasis on addressing climate change and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5° C target. After serving a two-year term, Sung Lee (USAID) stepped down as Co-Chair, and Chris Hillbruner stepped up to the role.

Throughout the year, the TWG held three meetings and continued to expand its knowledge hub on the Platform’s website, providing members with access to key updates, knowledge products and event information. The group considered a proposal by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, the European Centre for Development Policy Management and Southern Voice for a 12-month research- and dialogue-based scoping project. This initiative aims to explore options for strengthened low-income country participation in United Nations Rome-based agency processes, and improved coordination mechanisms between country- and global-level food systems actors.

The TWG also explored the feasibility of a common learning agenda, building on the work of the Juno Evidence Alliance. A new stakeholder engagement process was proposed for a technical working group comprising funders and technical partners, focused on enhancing evidence-based decision-making, particularly in the use of AI models. The initiative aims to clarify priorities, identify key learning areas and promote more effective data-driven decision-making.

Building on the Platform’s activities in 2024, the GDPRD will continue to promote the financing agenda for food systems and support its members in strategically engaging at FfD4 and other key global events.

The Platform’s new strategic plan for 2026–2030 will be developed in 2025, with Board member consultations scheduled from April to September and approval by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. The 2025 work plan will focus on three main areas.

The GDPRD is committed to maintaining the Platform as an informal space that fosters dialogue, discussion, and the sharing of data and technical information valued by our members.

As we approach 2025, we look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our members and the broader development community, while upholding our commitment to sharing the latest knowledge, information and insights related to food, agriculture and rural development.