16 July 2026 | 15:00-15:45 CEST | Virtual | Join Alessandra Roversi (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) and Mduduzi Mbuya and Ty Beal (GAIN) in the Platform’s AI knowledge exchange series exploring how artificial intelligence is applied in agrifood systems. This first webinar explores a practical example from GAIN to improve nutrition outcomes.
Leonard Mizzi is a long-standing and familiar face within the Donor Platform. Now stepping into the role of Co-Chair, he brings years of institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the "Team Europe" approach to help steer the next chapter. Leonard is dedicated to championing the Platform as a vital and trusted informal space for donor coordination.
Since taking on the role of Co-Chair of the Donor Platform this year, Thijs Woudstra has helped guide the Platform’s strategic direction during a pivotal period for global food systems. In this interview, he shares his vision for the Platform’s future and how the Netherlands' leadership is contributing to a more resilient and food-secure world.
During a recent Fin for Dev Dialogue side event at the ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum, “Stabilizing Agrifood Systems Amid Trade, Energy and Market Volatility” on 22 April 2026, development experts gathered to discuss how coordinated policy and financing can help stabilize agrifood systems in an increasingly uncertain world.
26 May 2026 | 9.15–10.30 AM (Rome, CEST) | Hybrid: In-person and on Zoom. | Join the Donor Platform at Rome Nutrition Week to shape the future of joint nutrition action in a changing world. Amid a growing nutrition financing gap, the session will explore how institutional investors, development finance institutions, and responsible private sector engagement can better support improved nutrition and healthier, more sustainable food systems.
A quick guide to the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development—what it is, what it is not, and how it brings donors together to align, learn, and strengthen the impact of investments in agrifood systems.
For the GDPRD’s working group on rural youth employment, new co-chair Leonard Mizzi (European Commission) joins Genna Tesdall, who brings the youth-led perspective of YPARD. With this "intergenerational" leadership, the group is shifting its focus from "process" to "purpose”.
The Donor Platform’s Rural Youth Employment Thematic Working Group is entering a new phase under Co-Chairs Leonard Mizzi (European Commission) and Genna Tesdall (YPARD). This next chapter focuses on ensuring rural youth are not only included, but empowered as partners and leaders in food systems transformation.
The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development is a vibrant partnership, advocacy and knowledge network of key donors focusing on food security and rural development.
Secretariat hosted at the International Fund for Agricultural Development
Via Paolo di Dono 44, 00142 Rome, Italy
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