Madam Chair,
Distinguished Governors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The nordic countries have traditionally been strong supporters of IFAD and continue to do so. This is illustrated by the simple fact that the nordic countries contributed about 14 % of the donor resources in the last replenishment round, and actually increased their contribution by some 70 % from IFAD-7 to IFAD-8.

The IFAD Rural Poverty Report clearly makes the case of agriculture as a primary engine of rural growth and poverty reduction, particularly in the poorest countries. At the same time it recognizes other, non-agricultural drivers of rural growth and the increasingly complex environment in which rural people live.

In this evolving environment IFAD has a strong role to play. But also relevant questions concerning IFAD’s own role will need to be answered. Should IFAD continue to focus on the poorest of the poor, the poorest areas of countries, the poorest people in regions, including indigenous peoples, as it has done in the past? Or should IFAD rather look at the most effective way of achieving economic growth in rural areas, thereby increasing its focus on these opportunities? What would be the specific role of IFAD in the community of international development actors?  How can IFAD best help farmers in developing countries to adapt to the new challenges of climate change? These are key issues to be addressed in the next replenishment consultations and IFAD’s strategic framework for 2011-15.

IFAD is the only multilateral organization with a specific mandate to address the poorest rural women and men. While keeping an open mind towards new issues, we believe that improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable population groups should remain an important task for IFAD. IFAD also needs to ensure strong cooperation with Governments and coordination with other donors active in the field of rural development and food security.

Last year on this same occasion we called on IFAD to step up its efforts on the five broad areas highlighted in the Replenishment Report of IFAD 8. In particular, we underlined the importance of  human resources management. We called for right incentives, tools, and institutional setting, accelerating progress in human resources reforms, and maintaining and improving staff morale. We also stressed the importance of continuing efforts to fully mainstream gender equality and women’s empowerment within IFAD as well as in its operations. This is also in line with IFAD’s commitments as recipient of the MDG3 Campion Torch. Last, but not least, we encouraged IFAD to cherish the values of openness and transparency in all its activities.

These same messages remain valid today. An important part of the replenishment negotiations of IFAD 9 will be an assessment of how well IFAD has achieved the goals and actions agreed upon in the IFAD 8 Replenishment Report.

Internally IFAD’s past year has been more challenging than externally and sometimes characterized by changes, tensions and instability. Our message is clear: a strong institution is not made by a few; a strong institution is made by all its stakeholders - IFAD´s management, its staff, its recipients and its governance structures. In this regard, we wish to emphasize the importance of involving all stakeholders in the changes ahead.

It is positive to note that actions have been taken or are under way in all main areas pointed out in the Replenishment Report. It is important to ensure transparency and an open dialogue in the process of implementation. Openness and transparency constitute a cornerstone for trust in the institution and its work.

We are pleased to note that IFAD has scored well in a number of reviews recently and has been recognized as a high quality development agency carrying out effective work,  the 2010 MOPAN review outlined a positive overall perception of IFAD’s effectiveness. A Brookings Institution study reaffirmed the generally positive picture.

IFAD’s own documentation testifies to increasing effectiveness of the organization. This is encouraging. We would, however, like to underline the importance of improving IFAD’s efficiency, a challenge clearly highlighted in the 2010 Annual reports on results and impact of IFAD operations (ARRI). We encourage further streamlining of processes and other reforms supporting this objective.

Finally, let me once again assure you, Mr. President, of the strong commitment and support of the Nordic countries to IFAD.

Thank you for your attention.

19 February 2011