Seville, Spain, 2 July 2025 – Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President and Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, today joined H.E. Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and H.E. Mr. Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB), for a fireside chat on “From FfD4 Commitments to Action: Unlocking Partnerships between IFIs and NDBs to Increase Agri-Financing for Rural Transformation.”

The event, held on the margins of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville.

H.E. Dr. Al Jasser emphasized that agriculture lies at the heart of livelihoods, resilience, and peacebuilding, particularly in fragile contexts. He elaborated how IsDB is leveraging blended capital, concessional financing, and Islamic finance instruments to de-risk investments and catalyze long-term financing for rural development.

The discussion also featured insights from H.E. Mr. Alvaro Lario and H.E. Mr. Ilan Goldfajn, who underscored the urgency of transforming food systems, empowering rural communities, and strengthening inclusive growth. Panelists highlighted the pivotal role of National Development Banks as essential intermediaries in delivering last-mile financing and building resilient food systems.

Participants stressed the need for stronger risk-sharing models, innovative guarantees, and flexible funding mechanisms to expand access to agri-finance and promote stability in vulnerable regions.

Dr. Al Jasser reaffirmed IsDB’s commitment to working with IFAD, IaDB, and other partners to deliver inclusive, transformative rural development across its member countries.