After several diplomatic efforts, the government of the Republic of Panama, through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy and Finance, was informed of the decision of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (known by its acronym IFAD), that Panama has been elected to install the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The first conversations with the Fund to establish the regional office in Panama took place during a visit to IFAD, in Rome last October. In it, Panama was presented as the strategic place for this regional headquarters of the organization, highlighting the logistical advantages offered by the country, in addition to having the headquarters of the WFP and FAO.

Under the leadership of President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, Panama is consolidated as the Hub of International Organizations in Panama that provide support and technical assistance to the countries of the region, which in turn allows to strengthen the capacities of the national and regional agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations system in the country.

This decision paves the way to achieve lasting solutions that guarantee the transformation of the food systems of communities with fewer resources, with attention to small-scale producers, women, young people, indigenous peoples and thus return to the course towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in our region.

This strategic partnership with Panama will give rise to unique opportunities to increase collaboration with other international organizations based in Panama.