IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, recently attended the International Conference on Development and Immigration and the UN Food Systems Summit+2 in Rome, where he held a significant meeting with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director General, Dr. Qu Dongyu. The meeting marked an important occasion for the two global icons to discuss their longstanding collaboration in funding agricultural development in Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) since the 1980s.
During the meeting, Dr. Al Jasser expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and FAO, which has been focused on funding initiatives in LDMCs. Both institutions have been working together to support projects that contribute to the effective realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on global, regional, and country levels.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between IsDB and FAO outlines the scope of their collaboration, which includes areas such as agribusiness value chains, water management, agricultural research and science, statistical analysis, climate change response, poverty reduction, women and youth empowerment, and disaster risk reduction, among others. These areas reflect the organizations’ shared commitment to addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food security.
Dr. Al Jasser emphasized that food and water security are strategic priorities for IsDB member countries, particularly for those located in arid and semi-arid regions. As part of its efforts to ensure food and water security, the IsDB Group is currently undertaking a mapping exercise to identify affordable and transferrable technologies that can be integrated into agriculture and food security projects.
The IsDB President also highlighted the bank’s support for major food security programs sponsored and implemented by FAO and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). One notable example is the Agri-food Systems Transformation (ASTA) project in Suriname, which is aimed at transforming agricultural systems and promoting food security in the country.
Furthermore, the meeting explored potential collaboration on priority actions and FAO’s assistance in developing systematic and result-oriented agricultural projects in IsDB member countries. This exchange of ideas and expertise represents a commitment to mutual support and the pursuit of common goals in sustainable agriculture and development.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a highly reputable Multilateral Development Bank of the Global South, established in 1975. Its core mission is to foster socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in its member countries. The bank operates by Islamic principles and provides financial and technical assistance to various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. FAO has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The organization works with governments, civil society, and private sectors to develop and implement strategies for food security and rural development.
The meeting between IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and FAO Director General, Dr. Qu Dongyu, marks another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations. Their joint efforts in funding agricultural development projects in Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) and their focus on addressing global challenges in agriculture and food security demonstrate a commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As global icons in development and food security, their partnership sets a positive example for international cooperation in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
Image provided by the Islamic Development Bank
