Durban, 17 October 2017 – Meeting in Durban, South Africa, during the 8th India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Ministerial Trilateral Commission, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the three countries signed an agreement to renew and ensure the continuity of their contributions to the India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) which is managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). Each IBSA country committed to contribute a least $1 million per year to the fund in the years to come.
“The successes of the Fund have provided IBSA the best return on investment in terms of cooperation and practical outcomes,” said H.E. Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa.
H.E. Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was joined by H.E. Mr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, and H.E. Mr. Aloysio Nunes Ferreira Filho, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.
UNOSSC presented to the IBSA Ministers on the accomplishments of the fund thus far, and consulted with the IBSA Focal Points based in New Delhi, Brasilia and Pretoria, as they embarked on a strategic review of the IBSA Fund in anticipation of the 2018 IBSA Summit, which will be hosted by India.
H.E. Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane emphasized the meaningful impact of the Fund in addressing the common developmental challenges of countries in the South in sectors such as agriculture, health and skills development. “In a modest way,” she said, “we have been able to assist the poorest of the poor.”
“The Ministers commended the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger as the flagship and sole visible operational program of IBSA, upon the advent of its 10th year anniversary,” read the IBSA Ministerial Communiqué. “In this regard, the Ministers noted that the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger continues to lead by example in demonstrating the relevance and vitality of South-South cooperation through the successful implementation of development projects in developing countries.”
Operational since 2006, the IBSA Fund has already received $35 million in contributions and approved 27 projects in 21 partner developing countries, mostly Least Developed States.
The fund is known for its people-centered results, having built or refurbished 6 hospital or health centers, 7 markets and an irrigation structure. It has enhanced the livelihoods of over 30,000 farmers across various countries and continents, including in highly remote areas; and upgraded the skills and employability of about 6,000 urban youth – among many other accomplishments advancing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Ministers agreed that the Fund plays an important role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and the empowerment of the peoples in developing countries that have benefited from its projects. The Ministers expressed satisfaction on the signing of the Agreement on the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger.
“The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the work done by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in the UNDP, in administering the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger,” affirmed their Communiqué.
Listen to a radio interview with Ms. Ines Tofalo, UNOSSC:
