CFC Managing Director Holds Virtual Call with the First UN Global Advocate for Peace and Security, Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam)
Amsterdam, 25 August 2025 – The Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, held a virtual meeting with Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam), the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace and Security. She was assisted by Mr. Wale and Ambassador Belal was assisted by Ms Zahra Khala.
The Managing Director highlighted the principle that peace cannot be achieved on empty stomachs, stressing that addressing hunger and building resilient livelihoods are fundamental to stability in fragile and conflict-affected countries. He emphasized the urgent need to create job opportunities, job security, and sustainable livelihoods so that people can rebuild their lives in their home countries.
During the discussion, Ambassador Belal emphasized that youth represent not just the future but the present catalyst for change. "Africa's youthful demographic dividend is not a challenge but an opportunity—a future waiting to happen," noted the Managing Director. "By investing in young people across commodity value chains, we can transform potential into prosperity."
The conversation also underscored the importance of empowering women and marginalized communities, who are often most affected by conflict but also serve as drivers of reconciliation and recovery. The Managing Director noted Ms. Hassan's groundbreaking role as being the first UN Global Advocate for Peace and Security, highlighting she can be "the voice for those who do not yet have a seat at the table."
Ms. Hassan commended the Managing Director's work and expressed her support for the CFC's mission of investing in people, particularly women and youth, to strengthen livelihoods and promote peace.
The Managing Director elaborated on the CFC's innovative concept of "humanizing the value chains" and the use of blockchain technology to increase transparency, ensure fairer income distribution, and deliver more value directly to farmers. This approach, he explained, can strengthen consumer trust across value chains while helping farmers achieve greater income security. "We seek to ensure 'justice by each transaction' through our humanizing the value chains initiative," Ambassador Belal stated. "Our vision is to see the 'Value' in value chains allow people to live lives with dignity and away from poverty through living wage income."
Ambassador Belal also introduced the CFC's focus on the "Absolute Sixteen"—the sixteen countries that are both Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) across Africa and Asia. "Thirteen of these sixteen countries are in Africa, representing some of the most vulnerable economies in the world," he noted. "Our initiatives resonate deeply with your mission, as these countries require special attention and innovative approaches to overcome their unique challenges."
Ms. Hassan expressed strong interest in collaborating further with the CFC and lending her voice to these critical initiatives. She welcomed the opportunity to deepen engagement with the CFC's mission to build resilience and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for youth in Africa who represent enormous untapped potential.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Managing Director invited Ms. Hassan to visit the CFC headquarters in Amsterdam. She warmly accepted the invitation and confirmed her willingness to visit when her schedule allows.
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