Ambassador Hmway Hmway Khyne Participates in the 48th Session of the IFAD Governing Council

Ambassador Hmway Hmway Khyne participated in the 48th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council, which took place on 12-13 February 2025 in Rome. This high-level event brought together global leaders, including heads of state, ministers, ambassadors, IFAD authorities, and development experts to discuss pressing global challenges such as food security, rural development, and agricultural financing.
The theme of the 48th IFAD Governing Council session, “Catalysing Investment at the 1st Mile,” highlighted the pivotal role of rural development in addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change. The session featured keynote addresses from influential global leaders, including His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, His Excellency Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Eng. Noora Sulaiman Salem Al Fassam, Minister for Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investments of Kuwait (speaking on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait), The Honourable Hussein Bashe, Minister for Agriculture of Tanzania (on behalf of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania), His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government (via video statement), His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank, and Her Excellency Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil. These prominent figures called for joint efforts to improve rural livelihoods and strengthen resilience against global challenges.
As a vital platform for member countries, the 48th session of the IFAD Governing Council allowed nations to engage directly with IFAD’s leadership, share insights, and influence policies that will shape the future of rural development. The session also marked the start of the Thirteenth Replenishment of IFAD’s Resources (IFAD13), a significant milestone in driving investment toward rural areas. With nearly half of the global population living in rural regions, IFAD’s sustained focus on empowering small-scale farmers is essential to ensuring their resilience amidst climate change, natural disasters, and economic instability.
In her address delivered as a written statement, Ambassador Hmway Hmway Khyne reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to sustainable agricultural development, poverty alleviation, and food security. She highlighted Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to improve its agricultural sector, enhance rural livelihoods, and confront the challenges posed by climate change and economic instability. The Ambassador of Myanmar also stressed the importance of international cooperation in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Expressing gratitude for IFAD’s strategic direction, the Ambassador commended the organization’s collaborative efforts with governments, development institutions, the private sector, and civil society. She also conveyed Myanmar’s support for the successful outcomes of the IFAD12 replenishment and expressed optimism for future partnerships with IFAD and other international organizations.
Myanmar’s participation in the 48th IFAD Governing Council further solidifies its commitment to working with global partners to build sustainable, thriving rural economies and strengthen global food security.