Responding to climate change requires collective action. IFAD works closely with developing country governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, along with partners in the international development community. IFAD has a close relationship with the other UN agencies in Rome: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

IFAD’s particular strength is in working directly with poor rural people and their organizations. Community-based approaches and community-driven development are particularly effective in helping poor rural communities become more resilient so they are better able to cope with climate change.

IFAD is an active member of the Multilateral Financial Institutions Working Group on Environment, which meets regularly to share experiences of environmental issues. IFAD is an executing agency of the GEF. The GEF is one of the main financial mechanisms for addressing climate change and represents a strategic partner for IFAD.

Together, the GEF and IFAD are addressing the intertwined issues of poverty alleviation, sustainable land management and climate change. IFAD helps countries access funding opportunities with the GEF for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Since 1997, IFAD has hosted the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which is mandated to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial mechanisms. As host, IFAD is in a good position to coordinate with other partners, seek technical support when needed and look for partnership with other institutions to address climate change in arid and sub-arid areas.

Source: IFAD