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.
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”.
This report presents innovative analyses on land tenure systems and governance, with a focus on women’s land rights and the role of customary tenure in addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.
As global geopolitics shift, Alexander Müller explains why cutting investment in food and agriculture is a strategic risk, and what donors must do differently to meet the moment. Food and agriculture matter more than ever and can be part of the solution.
From rethinking ODA and leveraging new resource flows to strengthening collaboration among donors, Lawrence Haddad reflected on a challenging year for development cooperation—and shared reasons for optimism in 2026. Read and watch the interview to hear his insights on the path forward for agriculture, nutrition, and food systems investment.
27 January 2026 | FAO HQ, Rome and Online (Zoom) | Deep shifts in global food and agricultural systems have intensified the need for transformative change. With more than eight decades of experience, FAO is responding by promoting a systems-based approach that addresses complexity, manages trade-offs, and unlocks synergies across sectors.
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Global growth remains resilient, but the OECD warns of deepening vulnerabilities across labour markets, finance, and public debt.
Join Corinna Hawkes (Director, Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, FAO) and Jim Woodhill (Senior Advisor, GDPRD) for a timely conversation on how a systems approach to agrifood finance can help donors and investors align constrained resources to catalyse system-wide impact.
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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