Showcasing Best Practices in Poverty Alleviation – A Successful CFC Side Event
The Hague, Netherlands – December 12, 2024.
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) hosted a landmark side event on December 11, 2024, themed “Harnessing Best Practices: Empowering Smallholders and Advancing Gender Equality to Alleviate Poverty and Hunger”, as part of the 36th Governing Council Meeting. Held at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague, the event brought together global leaders, project innovators, and stakeholders to showcase transformative approaches to poverty alleviation through sustainable and inclusive development.
Event Highlights:
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Netherlands, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing global poverty. He highlighted the role of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in driving sustainable and inclusive development.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands, delivering a compelling address on Brazil’s efforts through the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. He emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives in tackling systemic issues and shared Brazil's experiences in driving inclusive growth.
Following this, Mr. Jin Yuan, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China to the Netherlands, provided valuable insights into China’s strategic approaches to poverty alleviation, which have lifted millions out of poverty. His remarks highlighted the transformative power of targeted policies and the importance of fostering innovation in the commodity sector.
Project Showcases:
Four exceptional projects demonstrated the transformative power of sustainable practices and strategic partnerships:
Classical Handmade Products (Bangladesh): Presented by Mr. Theo Baert and Mr. Md. Tauhid Bin Abdus Salam, this initiative showcased how preserving traditional crafts can empower artisans and sustain cultural heritage.
Colcocoa (Colombia): Led by Ms. Gabriela Álvarez, the project emphasized sustainable cocoa farming and ethical sourcing, positioning Colombia as a leader in premium cocoa production.
LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub (Ireland): Introduced by Ms. Hilary Barry and Ms. Ayélé Sikavi Gabiam, the project highlighted efforts to strengthen women-led agribusinesses and build resilient food systems.
EFTA (Tanzania): Presented by Mr. Jeremy Lefroy and Mr. Kees Verbeek, this initiative focused on innovative leasing solutions to empower SMEs and foster local economic growth.
Closing Reflections:
The event stood as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing global challenges like poverty and inequality. Gender equality was the leading theme of this event, with a strong emphasis on empowering smallholders and building resilient value chains. By amplifying the voices of innovators and change-makers, the CFC reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Sheikh Mohammed Belal left participants with a resounding message: " The growing crisis of poverty and hunger demands urgent action, leaving no room for trial and error. Member states should use the Governing Council as a platform to exchange proven, scalable solutions that participants can implement back home. As a global capital of peace and justice, The Hague not only aids victims of atrocity crimes or chemical weapons, but also stands ready to help those suffering from poverty and hunger. In an AI-driven world, poverty has no place."
As this event concludes, the CFC urges all stakeholders to stay committed to transforming shared best practices into widespread impact, driving progress toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all.