Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark.
Mr. President, the state of global food security demands urgent action. Despite global efforts, food insecurity remains alarmingly high. As underlined in the latest SOFI report an estimated 29% of the global population – 2.33 billion people – experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, with over 864 million people classified as severely food insecure.
Africa continues to bear the heaviest burden, with 58% of its population affected, nearly double the global average. Rural communities remain disproportionately affected, struggling with limited access to resources, markets, and climate resilience measures. These challenges are especially pronounced for women and girls, who face systematically higher levels of food insecurity compared to men.
There are many reasons for this situation, not least conflicts and wars as the unprovoked war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine and the war in Gaza. But also, the hunger catastrophe in Sudan. This along with poverty and climate change are among the most serious drivers of the food insecurity of the world.
In this context, IFAD’s role is indispensable. IFAD’s ability to empower rural populations — through investments in sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and climate adaptation—offers a pathway toward breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and food insecurity. By unlocking resources from governments, private sector partners, and local communities, IFAD is helping to create transformative and long-lasting change.
We encourage IFAD to be even more ambitious in catalyzing financing from the private and other sources through IFAD’s own financing. We applaud IFAD’s efforts to adapt to today’s challenges. We warmly congratulate IFAD on the successful IFAD13 replenishment, which includes a focus on fragile contexts, private sector, biodiversity protection, and the climate resilience of small-scale producers. The strong support is evidence of members confidence in IFAD’s effectiveness and relevance to sustainable development.
The unique position IFAD enjoys benefitting from a wide donor base, should be safeguarded and emerging donors encouraged. For example, the introduction of the Additional Climate Contributions (ACCs) in IFAD13 is a testament to IFAD’s commitment to tackling the pressing climate crisis, which disproportionately affects small-scale farmers. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are pushing millions deeper into hunger, and the ACCs represent one concrete step toward enhancing the resilience of the most vulnerable.
The theme of this year’s Governing Council, “Catalyzing investment at the first mile,” highlights the importance of focusing on the most vulnerable. The first mile, where food is planted, harvested, and processed, is the backbone of global food systems. 70 % of the food consumed in low- and middle-income countries is produced by small-scale farmers. IFAD’s efforts to prioritize inclusion and innovation align with our shared belief that sustainable development must leave no one behind.
This year we are welcoming two new partners in IFAD and we would like to congratulate both Ukraine and Lithuania with the full membership of IFAD. We look forward to working together in partnership in the IFAD family.
In closing, Mr. President, the Nordic countries reaffirm our commitment to partnering with IFAD and all relevant stakeholders to address these critical challenges. Together, we must ensure that rural communities are equipped not only to survive but to thrive in the face of a rapidly changing world