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.
A new report published by Hesat2030 that identifies 10 high-impact nutrition interventions for agriculture and food systems – from production to markets and consumption – to improve diet quality and contribute to ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition. When bundled together, these interventions boost efficiency and reduce overall costs.
22 April 2026 | 8.30–9.45 AM (New York ET) / 14:30–15:45 (CET) | Hybrid: In-person and on Zoom. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) are co-hosting a breakfast meeting at the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development (FFD Forum), as part of the Financing for Development (Fin4Dev) Dialogues. The session will examine how current trade and energy disruptions are affecting agrifood systems and what recent shocks have taught the global community about strengthening resilience.
9 April 2026 | On Zoom. Launch of the HESAT2030 nutrition report, showcasing evidence-based interventions to transform food systems and get the world back on track to end hunger by 2030.
25-28 May 2026 | FAO Headquarters, Rome & Online. Under the overarching theme “Shaping the Future of Joint Nutrition Action in a Changing World,” the 2026 edition will focus on strengthening joint approaches, enhancing coordination, and identifying practical pathways to accelerate nutrition progress in a rapidly evolving global context.
The GDPRD has adopted a new Strategy and Approach Paper for 2026–2030, providing a strategic framework to guide the Platform’s priorities, coordination, and decision-making in a rapidly evolving global development environment.
At the Donor Platform’s Annual General Assembly in Brussels, Board Member Lisa van Nieuwkoop (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands) highlighted a key message: with limited resources, coordination becomes a resource in itself. Watch the short interview to hear her reflections.
29-30 June 2026 | Hamburg, Germany. This year, the conference will focus on consolidating achievements and expanding its scope and outreach, recognizing the HSC’s unique role as a safe space for challenging conversations and unconventional exchanges. It will take place at a crucial moment for international co-operation.
16-19 March 2026 | Hybrid, Asian Development Bank HQ, Manila, Philippines. The forum will bring together a multi-stakeholder group to explore opportunities for transforming food systems in the region, under the theme “Feeding the Future, Sustaining the Planet”.
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.
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