Strategic Dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Mr Hideki Kusakabe,

Esteemed colleagues,

Thank you very much for hosting the 2nd Strategic Dialogue between IFAD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It is my pleasure to be here with you and your colleagues.

Japan is a long-standing partner of IFAD. I appreciate Japan’s leading role in our governing bodies and contributions to strategic direction to guide IFAD’s ongoing efforts to transform food systems and to accelerate impact on the ground.

I also would like to acknowledge the important contributions Japan has made. With a total contribution of US$619.4 million to IFAD’s regular replenishments, Japan is IFAD’s fifth largest contributor.

Last but certainly not least, with your support, IFAD has opened its Liaison Office in Yokohama in November 2021. This is a milestone, as it is our first Liaison Office in Asia. I thank everyone involved for your generous support for the opening of the Office.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled tomorrow morning and I look forward to welcoming some of you in Yokohama.

 Looking ahead, we are nearing the end of 2022, and I am mindful of the very important role that Japan will play in 2023 as the G7 Presidency.

Japan’s international leadership in support of better nutrition is more crucial than ever if we want to end global hunger by 2030. IFAD is committed to support Japan’s leadership in promoting global food security in the coming year.

Today’s Strategic Dialogue is an opportunity to collectively reflect on the Japan-IFAD partnership, particularly on the progress made since our first Strategic Dialogue in July 2019. I hope that we will be able to discuss and agree upon future actions of collaboration.

In addition, I look forward to exchanging about priorities for our next replenishment period, IFAD 13. I am keen to hear your views and opinions on building sustainable food systems, supporting rural people, and increasing their resilience and capacity to build back better following economic and geopolitical shocks.

I sincerely hope this will be a substantive and fruitful dialogue that will contribute to strengthening IFAD’s partnership with Japan in the years to come.