Cairo, 28 March 2022 (TDI): The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova; congratulated Gilbert Houngbo on his appointment as President of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 26 March.
Panova then expressed that the office of the UN in Egypt looks forward to the continued contribution of IFAD; and ILO to the collective work of the UN. Houngbo announced his appointment via Twitter, a day before.
He expressed his contentment with accepting the challenge; and that he will continue to devote himself to ensuring to help that vulnerable people develop at the same speed. Houngbo, who was the President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development; announced that he will continue to lead IFAD.
He then added that he will also ensure that IFAD plays a vital role in building rural resilience. Furthermore, Houngbo stated the honor he had of working alongside his colleagues over the past five years.
According to Houngbo, ILO is an organization dedicated to inclusive development, equity, and social justice. He then added that ILO also ensures that the most marginalized and vulnerable people develop at the same speed.
Houngbo remarked on the knowledge he attained during his time in IFAD; and that it will shape the focus and direction of his new job. According to Houngbo, the reason was that he will continue to work for the most vulnerable people around the world.
In his statement, Houngbo mentioned that the process to appoint a new President of IFAD will begin at the end of the month; which is the reason for him to remain at the organization.
Houngbo was also the Prime Minister of Togo during the period of 2008-to 2012. Furthermore, his appointment made him the first African politician to ever lead the International Labor Organization
BACKGROUND OF IFAD
IFAD began as an idea at the end of the 1974 World Food Conference. UN Organized this Conference to respond to the food crises of the early 1970s; when global food shortages were causing widespread famine and malnutrition, especially in the Sahelian countries of Africa.
Three years after the countries established formally the IFAD, as an international financial institution. The objective of the fund is to finance agricultural development projects, primarily for food production in developing countries.
To do so, the Fund would provide financing to projects and programs specifically designed to introduce; expand or improve food production systems and strengthen related policies and institutions.
UN HISTORY IN EGYPT
The United Nations has been present in Egypt since 1948. The organization now has 32 Agencies, Funds, Programs, and regional offices. Furthermore, both have a five-year partnership agreement, currently the 2018-2022 United Nations Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF).
According to the UN, the UNPDF is aligned with the national sustainable development strategy, Egypt Vision 2030. The national vision of Egypt is also aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International Relations student at the Universidad de Navarra in Spain. Main interests are the work of International Organizations like the UN in the scope of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable human beings and the environment
