By Roy Lie Atjam
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) marked its 36th Anniversary with a reception co-hosted by Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal and H.E. Mr. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines and Chair of the CFC Executive Board. The celebration, held at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, diplomats, and senior representatives from international organizations.
Many attended to congratulate the CFC for its decades of work in supporting projects in developing countries to improve commodity value chains and foster sustainable development. Since its founding, the CFC has provided loans, technical assistance, and investments to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers, helping them to increase incomes, create jobs, and strengthen environmental sustainability in commodity-dependent economies.
Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Dr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; Prof. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary-General of The Hague Academy of International Law; as well as the ambassadors of China, Russia, Peru, Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela, and many more.
Ambassador Malaya: The CFC’s Mission Is “As Urgent Now as Ever”
Opening the celebration, Ambassador Malaya welcomed the large audience with words of gratitude: “We are overwhelmed by the large number of attendees at this reception, and Ambassador Belal and I are truly grateful to all of you. The Philippine Embassy is deeply honored to co-host this commemoration.”
He recalled the CFC’s historical roots, noting that Manila is considered a “mother city” for the organization, as consensus to establish it was first reached there in 1976 during the UNCTAD IV Conference. Drawing from his personal background, Malaya reflected on his upbringing in a farming family:
“As a young boy, I grew up on a farm where my grandfather cultivated rice, coconut, and abaca. He often said he did not mind if children missed classes during harvest, as they were helping their families. What concerned him was when children did not enroll at all—because crop failures or low prices meant there was no money for their schooling. This memory remains with me and underscores why the CFC’s mission remains essential.”
He emphasized the importance of the organization’s new Strategic Framework for 2025–2035:
“This roadmap aims to raise the profile of the CFC and strengthen its connections with the UN and its network of development agencies and programs. Our advocacy for humanizing the value chain is at the heart of this vision.”
In closing, Malaya underscored the idea of strengthening CFC’s international presence:
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the CFC relocate its headquarters from Amsterdam to The Hague, to thrive in this city’s supportive diplomatic ecosystem alongside other distinguished organizations?”
Sheikh Mohammed Belal: “Old Enough to Know Better, Young Enough to Dream Big”
CFC Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal delivered a spirited and powerful address, reflecting on both achievements and aspirations: “Welcome to the CFC 36th birthday party! At 36, we are old enough to know better… but also young enough to dream big.”
He highlighted the CFC’s guiding principle that prosperity in the Global South is intrinsically linked to prosperity in the Global North: “In this City of Peace and Justice, we recognize that true justice begins with our purchasing choices. Every coffee and chocolate can embody dignity and purpose.”
Belal credited global partners for their collaboration: “Thank you, Spain, for the Sevilla Commitment, and to Brazil for integrating us into the G20 Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty. We also applaud Ethiopia for hosting the Africa Climate Summit, where significant commitments were made. When Africa speaks, the world listens.”
“Special thanks to former Chair, Dr. Eniola Ajayi of Nigeria, and to all our partners who have kept the CFC dynamic and innovative. Our Strategic Framework for 2025–2035 is already gaining momentum, sharpened by the invaluable support of China and our Member States.”
The Managing Director outlined some of the CFC’s most compelling success stories:
In Uganda, a $1 million investment helped JKCC grow revenues from $28 million to $78 million in one year, expanding collaboration with smallholder farmers from 300 to 7,000.
Enimiro, sourcing from 4,000 vanilla farmers, enabled price increases that added an extra $600 per household each season.
In Kenya, Shalem Investments used a $610,000 loan to expand affordable nutrition from 9,000 to 50,000 consumers.
In Peru, Fairtrasa secured premium market access for farmers, while in the Philippines, Kennemer Foods quadrupled cocoa yields, raising incomes dramatically.
“These successes demonstrate that investing in small and early-stage SMEs unlocks valuable opportunities. Yet we receive over 400 proposals each year and can only fund a fraction. That’s why we are launching the Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund—the ACT Fund—to scale up our impact. I urge you, not just as ambassadors but as fellow citizens, to join us in creating meaningful change.”
Looking Ahead
Mr. Jerome Larosch, Governor of the Netherlands for the CFC, also addressed the reception, reaffirming the Dutch government’s support for the organization’s role in global development and its ambitious new agenda.
The evening closed with lively performances by The Quatro Band and a Filipino-style buffet, which brought a festive spirit to the celebration. As the CFC looks forward to its 40th anniversary, the organization continues to build on its founding mission—empowering farmers, strengthening commodity value chains, and advancing sustainable development in commodity-dependent economies.
CFC at 36: Bravo to an institution that remains as vital, dynamic, and visionary as ever.
Credit pictures Kieren Batiles
