Common Fund for Commodities Celebrates 36 Years of Impact in Global Development
The Hague, 11 September 2025 – The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) marked its 36th anniversary with a reception at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, gathering ambassadors, senior officials, and international partners to celebrate more than three decades of advancing sustainable commodity development.
Hosted by Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and CFC Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal, the event highlighted the Fund’s enduring achievements since its establishment in 1989 and reaffirmed its mission to support smallholders, finance enterprises, and promote sustainability across global commodity value chains.
In his remarks, Ambassador Malaya emphasized both the Philippines’ historical role in the Fund’s establishment and his personal connection to its mission:
“This is the reason why the CFC’s mission of ‘investing in commodities, unlocking potentials’ and ‘creating opportunity in developing countries’ for smallholder farmers and commodity producers is as important and urgent then as now, and deserving of our full support.”
Managing Director Belal reflected on the CFC’s journey and its vision for the future, highlighting its impact on communities worldwide:
“In 36 years, the CFC has been transforming lives, reaching over half a million people worldwide. Our journey has been one of unlocking opportunities that no one else can reach. Because when the Global South prospers, the Global North thrives—and together, we build a fairer, more sustainable future.”
Speaking on behalf of the Government of the Netherlands, Mr. Jerome Larosch, Head of Division of International Financial Institutions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the CFC’s unique role in bridging trade, sustainability, and justice:
“The Netherlands has been proud to host the Common Fund for Commodities for over three decades, because it represents exactly what our world needs: collective action to address challenges no country can face alone. Commodities are not just traded goods—they are lifelines, the backbone of economies, the livelihoods of millions of farmers, and a vital driver of sustainable development. By supporting smallholders, bridging finance and development, and aligning commodity production with climate and social priorities, the CFC has shown how trade can be a tool for justice. In a world of shifting geopolitics and intensifying climate pressures, the CFC’s mission is more relevant than ever. Inclusive trade and sustainable agriculture are not options—they are the bridge between prosperity and justice.”
The evening’s program featured a cake-cutting ceremony, cultural performances, and the participation of representatives from many of the CFC’s 101 Member States—reflecting the spirit of solidarity that has sustained the Fund since its inception.
Since 1989, the CFC has financed more than 400 projects in 104 countries, mobilizing resources to promote climate-smart agriculture, local value addition, and inclusive business models that connect smallholder farmers to global markets. Looking ahead, the Fund aims to scale up its catalytic role in bridging finance and development, guided by its Strategic Framework 2025–2035 and its vision of humanizing the value chains globally through a technological transformation.
As the CFC enters its 37th year, it stands as a reminder that commodities are not just goods—they are human stories. Each investment carries the promise of dignity for farmers, resilience for communities, and shared prosperity for all.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]