China Hosts Strategic Dialogue to Shape CFC’s 2025–2035 Framework
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Hague convened a Strategic Framework Dialogue to chart the Common Fund for Commodities’ (CFC) course for the next decade. The gathering brought together Member States to align on a shared vision for equitable and sustainable commodity development from 2025 to 2035. The session was moderated by Mr. Mathias Cooman, CFC’s Impact Strategy Officer, who welcomed delegates and encouraged an open exchange of ideas and priorities.
It was particularly fitting for this dialogue to be held at the Embassy of China, a nation whose unparalleled achievements in poverty reduction—lifting over 800 million people out of poverty—stand as a testament to what is possible when development is prioritized. China’s leadership extends beyond poverty alleviation; it is also driving global excellence in science and innovation. Recent data from the Nature Index highlights Asia’s rising influence, with China now hosting eight of the world’s top 10 research institutions, up from seven in 2023. This progress underscores the potential for China to further support global advancements in sustainable development through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
China, a founding champion of the CFC alongside the Group of 77 (G77), once again demonstrated its steadfast support. H.E. Tan Jian, Ambassador of China to the Netherlands, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective action in revitalizing the Integrated Programme for Commodities (IPC). He noted that the IPC’s revival was made possible because China has consistently stood firm for global solidarity and the principle of a shared community with a common future. “It is not only about strengthening South-South ties but also about fostering meaningful partnerships between developing and developed countries, including through trilateral cooperation and win-win enterprises”, he remarked. Ambassador Tan also expressed appreciation for the strong turnout of delegates, including OECD countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece, highlighting the CFC’s growing reach and relevance.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC, thanked Ambassador Tan for his leadership and for hosting this timely dialogue. He underlined the high demand for CFC finance to address today’s pressing challenges, emphasizing that closing the financing gap for smallholders is crucial for advancing peace and development in commodity-dependent communities. Ambassador Belal also highlighted the growing importance of humanizing value chains, noting that modern consumers—particularly Gen Z and millennials—increasingly seek ways to express gratitude to producers while demanding transparency.
Ambassador Belal pointed to EU initiatives such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and Digital Product Passport (DPP) as frameworks where the CFC’s vision of ethical value chains could be integrated. “By incorporating price transparency and producer recognition into these systems, we can empower consumers to make informed, values-driven choices,” he said. Ambassador Belal also commended the government of Peru for its pioneering decision to officially endorse the concept of humanizing the value chains, setting an example for others to follow.
H.E. Mirjam Blaak Sow, Ambassador of Uganda to the Benelux and Chair of the CFC’s Governing Council, cited commitments from the recent Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), where the CFC was explicitly recognized. “This acknowledgment underscores that the CFC is no longer peripheral; it is moving toward the center of the solution”, she said. Ambassador Blaak also moderated the highly interactive dialogue session and expressed her thanks for turning up in big numbers while attendance was kept limited to only those member states who attended the previous meetings of the working groups. Ambassador Blaak reiterated her strong support for the concept of “humanizing the value chain” and urged all to help implement this revolutionizing concept globally.
H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Netherlands and Chair of the CFC’s Executive Board, welcomed the growing importance of the CFC for Member States and underlined the value of this dialogue in gathering diverse perspectives. He also announced that the Philippines will host the CFC’s 36th Anniversary celebration at its Embassy in The Hague on 11 September 2025. Ambassador Malaya also earned deep appreciation for the Philippines’ leadership in being the first country to resume voluntary contributions to the CFC—a move explicitly endorsed in the Sevilla Commitment of the FfD4. He urged all Member States to follow suit, reinforcing the collective responsibility to support smallholder farmers and SMEs.
H.E. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Ambassador of Botswana to the Netherlands and Vice Chair of the Strategic Framework Working Group, emphasized the need for action over rhetoric. “Let me first thank the People’s Republic of China—not just for hosting this dialogue, but for proving that poverty is not permanent. Commodity-dependent economies like ours need the CFC to deliver action, not just plans. The 2025–2035 blueprint must reflect the urgency of now”, she affirmed.
Mr. Frank Joosten, Senior Consultant at Agri Frontier, presented key findings from the situation analysis, outlining expectations, guiding questions, and priority areas for the new Strategic Framework. The interactive discussion that followed, moderated by H.E. Mirjam Blaak Sow, provided Member States an open forum to share their views on scaling impact and delivering greater value for commodity-producing countries.
Key issues, such as humanizing value chains, fairer value distribution, decent work conditions, and living wages, sparked considerable interest. This focus reflects the CFC’s evolving role as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable trade, particularly in addressing barriers that affect producers. The new Strategic Framework aims to build on and go beyond the Sustainable Development Goals, offering innovative solutions tailored to the real needs of producers and communities.
The event concluded with closing statements by Ambassador Tan Jian and Ambassador Belal, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to transforming the CFC’s potential into tangible results. 
As Ambassador Tan has repeatedly emphasized, what the world needs now is peace and development. Echoing this sentiment, Ambassador Belal urged all stakeholders to work together as members of a shared humanity, continuing the win-win enterprise of sustainable development—wherever they may be—with a focus on uplifting the three billion smallholders and millions of SMEs who form the backbone of global commodity value chains.
A luncheon hosted by the Embassy of China provided a fitting close, fostering further dialogue and collaboration.
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