This timely consultation takes place as international development actors gear up for landmark global discussions on nutrition for growth, financing for development, and food systems. Furthermore, it coincides with the start of the implementation of the IFAD’s 13th Replenishment Program of Work and the beginning of a new European Commission term. This creates a critical opportunity for input into shaping global policies on financing rural development.

The meeting will provide a platform to discuss the preliminary findings of the Rural Development Report 2025 and explore actionable strategies for transforming rural areas into equitable, low-carbon, and resilient communities. Key objectives include:

• Sharing insights from the RDR 2025 on addressing the financing gap in rural development.
• Refining policy recommendations and financing strategies through stakeholder feedback.
• Aligning IFAD’s priorities with the incoming EU leadership and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
• Exploring the implications of emerging EU policies and technologies on rural transformation.