What role did France play in the development of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)?

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was established in 1977 as a specialized agency of the United Nations, with the goal of addressing poverty and food insecurity in developing countries. France played an important role in the creation and development of IFAD, as one of the original signatories of the agreement that established the organization.

France has been a significant contributor to IFAD since its inception, both in terms of financial support and leadership. In fact, the first president of IFAD was Frenchman Olivier Long, who served in that role from 1977 to 1981. France has continued to be an active participant in IFAD's work, providing both financial contributions and technical expertise to support the organization's efforts to improve the lives of rural communities in developing countries.

France's commitment to IFAD is rooted in its longstanding support for agricultural development and rural poverty reduction in the developing world. The country has a strong tradition of investing in agriculture and rural development, and has been a leading advocate for policies and programs that promote sustainable agriculture, rural employment, and food security. Through its partnership with IFAD, France has been able to extend its support for these important issues to a global scale, helping to make a significant impact on the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable populations.