Revitalizing rural areas is critical to building a world that leaves no one behind. Climate change, conflict, urbanization and increasing rural-urban inequalities are some of the most urgent challenges faced by marginalized communities. These challenges worsen persistent struggles with poverty, inequality, food insecurity and malnutrition. Policies that improve access to services, create more and better jobs, foster gender equality, promote good governance and restore the environment can make rural areas vibrant places to live and work.

This debate will explore rural revitalization strategies that accelerate progress in achieving the SDGs. Experts will draw on research, focus on action and implementation, and look to where the most impact can be made among the hardest to reach populations.

Speakers

• Shenggen Fan, Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute
• Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit in EC-DG, International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO)
• Marc Nolting, Deputy Head of Division Rural Development and Agriculture, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

• Ismahane Elouafi, Director General, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA)

Moderator

• Thin Lei Win, Food Security Correspondent, Thomson Reuters Foundation