The Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism (FMM) 2021 Strategic Dialogue Opening Remarks
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
17/12/2021
The Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism (FMM) 2021 Strategic Dialogue
Opening Remarks
By
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
As prepared
17 December 2021
Excellences,
Dear Colleagues,
1. I am pleased to welcome our two new Resource Partners, New Zealand and Australia.
2. I also wish to welcome our existing Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism Resource Partners: Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
3. 2020 and 2021 have been challenging years, but despite the difficulties, we are prudently optimistic about progress towards a new normal.
4. We have adjusted our implementation modalities, while continuing to deliver concrete results and building the trust and confidence of Members.
5. The Digital Field Trip last week was an important opportunity for you to interact with our work in the field, and put you in touch with the beneficiaries.
6. The Digital FAO made it possible for you to visit 4 countries in less than 2 hours!
7. And to see FAO’s work on the ground, including various farming enterprises in rural areas of Niger, Kenya and Tanzania, as well as nutrition sensitive agriculture and school feeding in Guyana.
8. This direct contact with the farmers, producers, women, school children, local community leaders and other relevant stakeholders provided the occasion to see how your generous contribution of flexible funds are transforming lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people around the world.
9. FAO receives most of our voluntary contributions as hard-earmarked funds.
10. While this is crucial to help implement our work, more flexible funds are needed.
11. In this regard, the role of the Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism is vital as it is a multi-partner, less-earmarked pooled fund for development work.
12. This mechanism is a key component for the FOUR BETTERS: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life for all – leaving no one behind.
13. As well as for achieving the SDGs at country level.
14. With your support, we have renewed and improved the mechanism over the past 4 years, addressing key challenges such as efficient governance arrangements and management,
15. And by introducing a new Theory of Change and Results Framework, using results-based reporting, marketing and visibility.
Dear Colleagues,
16. FAO Members have clearly indicated they wish to see FAO access greater volumes of flexible funding in order to effectively address the ambitious goals set out in FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031.
17. I would like to thank you all for concretely demonstrating your commitment in this area.
18. The Flexible Multi-Partner Mechanism has continued to grow, both in volume and in number of contributing Resource Partners.
19. In the last 12 years, more than 135 million US Dollars has been contributed,
20. And of this, over 66 million US Dollars was given in the current 2018-2021 phase.
21. The continued increase in number of Resource Partners is evidence of a growing, dynamic and effective Funding Mechanism that can deliver results.
22. I look forward to seeing even more countries contributing next year.
23. During this year’s Strategic Dialogue, it is important to reflect on how to build on the success of the mechanism to scale up the financial portfolio for an expanded impact.
24. And I would like to encourage all Resource Partners to consider increasing contributions in the next phase.
25. This discussion is very timely, as we transition to our new Strategic Framework and Medium-Term Plan.
26. Thank you for your generous contributions and your continued trust in FAO.
27. I wish you a fruitful dialogue with positive outcomes leading to EXTRAORDINARY impacts in 2022!
28. Thank you.