Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment

Inter-agency initiative
in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Bank
Event
Session Type
Conference
Room number
Room XXVII
16 October 2014
13:00 - 15:30 Europe/Zurich
Europe/Zurich

UNCTAD, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank jointly developed a set of Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment that respects rights, livelihoods and resources. The seven Principles cover all types of investment in agriculture, including business models with close linkages between investors and contract farmers. The Principles have been endorsed by the G20 and the UN General Assembly and piloted in many developing countries, notably in Africa and Asia. The event presented an update of this important initiative and elaborate on its potential contribution to the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Organized in collaboration with the above partner organizations.

Elements for the debate

  • How can corporate investment in agriculture best contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals?
  • What are the main challenges that host and home country governments, investors, local communities and civil society face in ensuring this positive contribution? Which solutions are most effective?
  • What practice and business models ensure that corporate investment is complementary to the operations of local smallholders and the overall wellbeing of the economy?