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.
This memo summarizes the most actionable findings from that research. It highlights five key insights and practical recommendations across three opportunity areas to help agricultural programs better engage and support rural youth, especially young women.
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.
This document showcases the impact of the Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment (GJ4RYE) project implemented by FAO and KOICA in Sierra Leone, Timor Leste, and Zimbabwe between 2019 and 2024.
The African Union and the International Labour Organization have strengthened their partnership to advance decent work, social protection and inclusive growth across Africa.
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”.
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
Email: protected email
