The 38th session of IFAD's Governing Council, which convenes on 16-17 February, will shine a spotlight on rural transformation as a key to sustainable development. The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the process of defining a post-2015 global agenda provides opportunities to refocus policies, investments and partnerships for more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred development.

 

Held annually at IFAD headquarters in Rome, the Governing Council is the Fund's main decision-making body, including all Member States. This year's session will begin with a roster of distinguished keynote speakers, including His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana; His Majesty Tupou VI, King of Tonga; and His Excellency Pier Carlo Padoan, Minister for Economy and Finance of the Italian Republic.