Warm wishes to the people of the Philippines on their Independence Day! Since 1977, @IFAD has been committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development in the Philippines. We thank all our partners in the Philippines for their continued partnership.

What happens when small-scale producers are connected to private agri-processing enterprises? In #Nepal, a US$18.9 million initiative co-financed by IFAD, the Government of Nepal, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and other partners delivered measurable results. As part of this investment, a commercial-scale spice processing unit was established with a Dutch joint-venture partner, a key step in transforming local value chains. By 2022, production had grown from 300 metric tons to 2,400 metric tons – an increase of more than 700%. Farmers’ incomes rose by 37%, and crop earnings increased by 50%, supported by stronger market linkages and more reliable buyers. In #Cambodia, similar models are linking small-scale pepper farmers to international markets through structured private sector partnerships. Rural development is not only about producing more, but about building the commercial linkages that make growth sustainable. Keep reading at bit.ly/3S0gQT6 #IFAD14 #IFADImpact #FinancingTheFirstMile

Our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand on the sad passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. Her Royal Highness's legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

What does rural transformation look like when systems work together? During a recent visit to #India, IFAD Associate Vice-President Donal Brown saw firsthand how connecting producers to markets, entrepreneurs to finance and communities to opportunity can unlock lasting economic growth. From women-led enterprises in Maharashtra to farmer organizations in Telangana and entrepreneurship hubs in Meghalaya, the visit showed that rural prosperity is built when finance, infrastructure, technology, markets and community institutions work in concert. This integrated "Finance Plus" approach, which combines investment with institution-building, partnerships and long-term systems development, is at the heart of the India-IFAD partnership and the new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme, which aims to reach more than 3 million people through climate-smart value chains, inclusive finance and strengthened rural institutions. As India demonstrates, investing in rural transformation means investing beyond production and creating the connections that allow rural people, businesses and communities to thrive. Read Donal Brown's reflections from his visit and learn more about the future of the India-IFAD partnership at bit.ly/4uYAZrs

The United Nations in the Philippines extends its deepest sympathies to the people of Mindanao and other affected areas following the devastating earthquake on 8 June. We mourn the loss of lives and the suffering endured by families and communities due to widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. Full statement: tinyurl.com/5em39mpf

Our joint study with @FAOBangladesh, @WFPBangladesh and @UNWomenAsia finds that for every US$1 spent, roughly US$4 of value is generated. The evidence is clear. Investing in women farmers in Bangladesh isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do 👇

On #WorldEnvironmentDay, the real challenge is turning commitments into action and building a greener future from the ground up. @IFADAsia news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-0…

For 25 years, IFAD and @theGEF have worked together to bring global environmental finance to the first mile – where nature, climate, food security and livelihoods intersect. This week, IFAD is at the #GEFAssembly2026 – joining partners from around the world to advance solutions for rural people and their communities. That partnership is already delivering at scale. The Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP) – developed jointly with @FAO and funded by GEF – is working across 32 countries to transform agrifood systems from farm to table: sustainable, nature positive, resilient, inclusive and pollution-free. With around US$280 million in GEF grants and roughly US$2.2 billion in total investments, the programme shows what integrated approaches can unlock. As discussions on #GEF9 begin, there is a clear opportunity to move from levers to markets. IFAD is calling for rural people and small-scale producers to be placed at the centre of climate, biodiversity, land, water and food systems solutions. Throughout the Assembly, IFAD will contribute to discussions on: 🔹Food systems transformation 🔹Blended finance and investment mobilization 🔹Policy coherence and integrated approaches 🔹Inclusive rural development #FinancingTheFirstMile

Congratulations to Idris Elba on his recent knighthood by King Charles III for services to young people. In his role as @IFAD Goodwill Ambassador, Idris Elba used his platform to champion issues related to food security, climate change and environmental conservation.

May this #Eid bring renewed hope, meaningful connections, and prosperity for communities across the region and beyond. Wishing our partners, communities, and teams a blessed Eid Mubarak. ✨🌙