22 April 2026 | 8.30–9.45 AM New York (ET) / 14:30–15:45 Rome (CET) | Hybrid: In-person and on Zoom
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On the margins of the Financing for Development (Fin4Dev) Dialogues, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD), and the European Union are co-hosting an informal event to discuss how the current trade and energy disruptions are affecting agrifood systems and what recent shocks have taught the global community about strengthening resilience.
The session will convene partners from the public and private sector, including government representatives, development finance institutions professionals, energy and trade experts, to explore how geopolitical shifts are affecting global food systems. The discussion will examine the implications of tariffs, export restrictions, energy price fluctuations and evolving trade relationships for agrifood supply chains, food affordability and investment in agriculture. Participants will also explore how stronger policy and financing coordination can help stabilize agrifood systems and ensure resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment.
| Provisional Agenda | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 - 8:45 (ET) | Welcome and Introduction Leonard Mizzi, Adviser Food Systems, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission (GDPRD Co-Chair) |
| 8:45 - 9:25 (ET) | Panel Discussion Key experts from DFIs, UN, and other entities |
| 9:25 – 9:40 (ET) | Interactive Q&A with audience |
| 9:40 – 9:45 (ET) | Closing Courtney Hood, Head of Office, IFAD |
Overall, the session will:
- Examine how geopolitical tensions, tariffs and energy market volatility are influencing food supply chains and agricultural input markets.
- Explore the implications of tariffs, export bans and shifting trade alliances for food security and affordability.
- Identify opportunities for improved coordination between trade, energy and agricultural policy to support more stable and predictable food markets.
- Discuss how governments, development finance institutions and private actors can strengthen the resilience of agrifood systems amid global volatility.
More detailed agenda information, including confirmed speakers, will be made available soon.
