Cornelia Richter, a German national and former Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee of the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), joined the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today as Vice-President.

In her new role, Richter will provide strategic direction to IFAD, promote corporate approaches and solutions, and will oversee the budget, quality assurance and ethics offices.

IFAD is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. Seventy-five per cent of the world’s poorest people – 1.4 billion women, children and men – live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods.

“At such a crucial moment as we look to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, I am excited and honoured for this leadership opportunity to support IFAD’s unique mandate both as an international financing institution and United Nations agency focusing on rural development,” Richter said.

Richter’s extensive experience was acquired through a broad range of international cooperation assignments, such as Advisor for Planning and Research and Multilateral Institutions at the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation, Macroeconomic Advisor in Africa, and several managerial positions at GIZ, including Director General for Asia and the Pacific, and Director General for Global and Sectoral Issues. In addition, Richter has also worked in partnership with the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the Gates Foundation on value chain development and social issues.

Richter has a degree in economics and social science from the University of Göttingen. She completed postgraduate studies in systemic management at the University of St Gallen, Switzerland, and in organizational development at Columbia University in the United States. Richter is a member of several advisory boards, including the German Asia-Pacific Business Association, the Latin American Association for German Companies, the German Development Institute, the European Interuniversity Association, the Foundation for Peace and Development and the NGO Child Aid.