In January 2020, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) became the host of the Secretariat of the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD), taking the baton from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) 16 years after the Platform’s establishment. For a transition period until 30 June 2020, IFAD and GIZ will share GDPRD Secretariat responsibilities.
The GDPRD is a network of 40 bilateral and multilateral donors, international financial institutions and foundations that are committed to achieving increased and more effective aid for agriculture and rural development, through evidence-based advocacy and knowledge sharing.
© IFAD/Joanne Levitan
IFAD takes on this new function at a moment when the GDPRD is reviving its mission and operational model, in an effort to strengthen its role in supporting sustainable rural transformation processes that contribute to the SDGs. Platform members have worked together over the years to share efforts and knowledge around sustainable agriculture and food systems, and this focus will continue to guide GDPRD to deliver innovative solutions and positive impact on the road to 2030.
The Secretariat under IFAD’s management has been mandated by Platform Board members to take the lead in drafting the Strategic Plan 2021-2025. This will articulate: (1) a revised strategic orientation for the Platform; (2) a review of the role and functions of the GDPRD in light of its achievements; (3) an updated framework for GDPRD membership and; (5) a review of the Platform Thematic Working Groups (TWGs).
This year, the Platform’s Annual General Assembly is expected to take place on 25-26 June at IFAD HQ, subject to confirmation closer to the date in view of the current COVID-19 outbreak. The Assembly theme, “The role of the private sector in building sustainable and resilient food system,” has been selected as a contribution of the Platform to the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit.
