Rome, 1 February 2010 – Yukiko Omura, a Japanese national and former Executive Vice President of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group joined today as Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency devoted to rural poverty and financing of agricultural and rural development.

Omura brings to the job over 25 years of experience in international finance and development at a time when the private sector is becoming an increasingly crucial ally to drive economic growth and to reduce poverty in rural areas of developing countries as reconfirmed in Davos during the recently held World Economic Forum.

“From my previous work in emerging markets, I am convinced that profitable, developmentally sound investment opportunities abound in developing countries,” Omura stated. “The key to converting these opportunities into right investments, jobs and incomes for the poor will be for all of us – investors, banks, host countries, and development institutions – to work together. Everyone benefits from investments that support sustainable development.”

“I am coming to IFAD at a critical time for international development when the importance of agriculture for economic growth is back on the agenda of world leaders,” Omura said. “Agriculture is where two of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change and food security – intersect. IFAD, as one of the largest sources of development financing for agriculture and rural development has a key role to play in bringing sustainable solutions to these issues which are critical to tackle poverty” she added.

Contacts: – Farhana Haque-Rahman
Chief, Media Relations & Special Events
Tel: +39 06 5459 2485
E-mail: f.haquerahman@ifad.org