Nepal assured further collaboration with CFC
02 May 2025, New York – Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), during his recent visit to New York to attend an event organized by the UN DESA, also had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of LDC Group as well as Vice Chairperson of ECOSOC and Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, at the latter’s office on Friday, 02 May 2025.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing initiatives of the CFC, underscoring the growing demand for the organization’s services. He emphasized the CFC’s significant contributions to advancing sustainable development and poverty reduction, particularly in the context of current global crises.
Highlighting the critical importance of collective action, Ambassador Belal stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved through strong partnerships—such as the collaboration between CFC and member countries. Recognizing the urgency posed by present global challenges, he called for strengthening working relationships with member countries to help bridge the development gap between the Global South and the North.
Ambassador Belal commended Nepal’s pro-active role as Chair of the LDC in furthering global development, particularly in LDC countries. He expressed hope that Nepal would continue to play its vital role to uplift the lives of millions of people in LDC countries. Ambassador Belal congratulate Ambassador Thapa in advance to be the next Chairperson of the ECOSOC and hope to furthering collaboration with ECOSOC under his chairmanship.
Ambassador Belal further highlighted the “Humanizing Value Chains” initiative, which aims to maximize benefits for smallholder farmers, alleviate poverty, and combat hunger through inclusive and sustainable commodity development.
Ambassador Belal invited Ambassador Thapa to advocate for the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund within the Government of Nepal, among private sector stakeholders, and across the UN ecosystem. The ACT Fund seeks to mobilize catalytic investments to bring transformative improvements to commodity sectors in support of sustainable development goals and poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Thapa expressed full alignment with the CFC’s mission—particularly its efforts to address persistently low farm-gate prices that undermine the livelihoods of smallholder farmers despite their hard work and dedication. He reaffirmed Nepal’s strong support for the CFC at various levels and fora of the UN.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to continued collaboration, and both sides agreed to maintain close communication on necessary follow-up actions.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
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