New Delhi: Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), visited South Korea between 15 and 16 October, aiming to bolster the partnership between the organization and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in achieving rural development and agricultural transformation goals. This was the president’s first-ever official visit to the ROK.
On his visit, Lario met South Korean government officials, including Minister of Agriculture Song Mi-ryung, Deputy Minister Kweon Ki-hwan, and KOICA President Chang Won-sam. He also engaged with students at Seoul National University on World Food Day.
Lario emphasized the importance of South Korea’s development journey as a model for many developing countries, stating, “Korea’s development story provides a roadmap for many developing countries IFAD works with. By addressing food security and improving rural prosperity, the Korean Green Revolution led to widescale development that is an inspiration for our work.” He highlighted the strong partnership between the Korean government and IFAD in leveraging these lessons for sustainable progress globally.
According to te IFAD press release, discussions between Lario and government officials explored new opportunities for collaboration to eradicate poverty and hunger. The Republic of Korea has consistently strengthened its commitment to the organization, with its contributions to IFAD’s resources over time. The country has contributed US$73.8 million to IFAD’s regular replenishments since 1977.
A successful example of this partnership is the Kiribati Outer Islands Food and Water Project (2016-2023), which resulted in approximately 2,300 women in Kiribati increasing their cash income through sales from home gardens, the release added.