2023-09-24 04:10:34
French President Emmanuel Macron announced, on Saturday September 23, a commitment of 150 million dollars (approximately 140 million euros) to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is currently the highest amount promised by a government. IFAD, headquartered in Rome, is a United Nations agency whose mission is to fight poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.
The French leader made the announcement via video at the Global Citizen festival in New York’s Central Park, where artists including Lauryn Hill and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed on Saturday evening.
This festival, which has taken place since 2012 when world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, offers free tickets to activists who commit to taking action, such as writing to their leaders to demand an increase international development aid.
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“Play our role”
Thousands of people gathered on the stage in Manhattan Park on Saturday afternoon, despite the cold and rain.
“We must fight together against poverty, climate change and for biodiversity”declared Mr. Macron. “That’s why we also want to play our role”.
Global Citizen welcomed the French commitment in a press release, adding that“Much more needs to be done to provide crucial support to millions of smallholder farmers around the world, who produce 70% of food in low- and middle-income countries”. The NGO also announced that Norway had committed to paying $90 million to IFAD.
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