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.
Respond to the call for impact investment projects focused on food security and improved nutrition. This 10-year programme strengthens smallholder resilience through technical assistance and investment in agricultural value chains. Funded by Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg,
This yearbook provides an overview of the key forces shaping the global food and agricultural landscape. It is intended as a core reference for policymakers, researchers, and analysts, as well as for the broader public interested in the past, present, and future of food and agriculture.
20-24 April 2026 | UN HQ, New York | A central pillar of the Financing for Development process, the Forum builds on the momentum generated by the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development held in June 2025. This year’s Forum carries particular significance, serving as a key platform for advancing concrete outcomes and sustaining political momentum from FFD4.
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.
27 JANUARY 2026 | 11:00–17:00 CET | In person at Mondrian (CDMA) – Atrium Room (Brussels) and Online | As needs rise and resources decline, trusted data becomes one of the most powerful tools we have — to prioritise, protect critical systems, and act smarter across the humanitarian–development nexus.
26 January 2026 | 15:30 - 17:00 CET | Columbia University, New York, and on Zoom | "Strategic Investments for Resilient Agrifood Systems: Driving SDG Progress through Partnerships" is an official off-site side event of the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum. It is co-organized by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Global growth remains resilient, but the OECD warns of deepening vulnerabilities across labour markets, finance, and public debt.
As global standards grow more complex, this report offers a practical framework for using them to support competitiveness, inclusion, and development outcomes.
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
