Tunisia Pledges to Boost South-South Cooperation at IFAD Meeting in Rome

Rome, Italy – Tunisia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation to tackle rural development challenges, as highlighted by Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, Tunisia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries. The announcement came during his participation in the 48th session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), held in Rome on February 12-13 under the theme “Catalyzing Investment at the First Mile.”

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ben Cheikh outlined Tunisia’s proposals to support small-scale farmers and enhance rural development. Among the key initiatives, he advocated for the creation of tailored financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, to provide critical funding for smallholder farmers. Additionally, he called for strengthening institutional capacities through targeted training programs, improved project management, and the exchange of expertise among developing nations.

The minister emphasized that these measures are essential to overcoming current challenges and building a more prosperous and sustainable future for rural communities.

The 48th IFAD session brought together participants from across the globe to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices aimed at attracting investments to transform rural areas into hubs of economic growth. Discussions centered on the strategic importance of investing in the rural regions of developing countries, which is critical for achieving food and nutrition security, driving economic growth, and ensuring long-term stability.

Ben Cheikh’s participation underscored Tunisia’s proactive stance in fostering collaboration among developing nations and its dedication to innovative solutions for rural development. The event served as a platform to explore new partnerships and investment opportunities that can drive sustainable progress in rural communities worldwide.

As global attention turns to the urgent need for rural transformation, Tunisia’s initiatives at the IFAD meeting highlight its role as a key player in advancing South-South cooperation and addressing the pressing challenges of rural development.