South Africa’s Minister to Lead Delegation at ICARRD+20 in Colombia
Introduction
This week, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso will head a prominent South African delegation to Cartagena, Colombia, for the International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20). This significant summit commemorates two decades since the inaugural ICARRD in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and arrives amid a revitalized global emphasis on agrarian reform, food sovereignty, and democratic governance of natural resources.
Importance of ICARRD+20
Scheduled from February 24 to 28, 2026, the ICARRD+20 conference serves as an essential forum for governments, grassroots movements, and international organizations to address crucial global challenges. Key topics on the agenda include:
- Land and Water Grabbing
- Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
- The Necessity for Redistributive Land Reform
Ministerial Engagements and Collaborations
During the conference, Minister Nyhontso is expected to engage in a variety of high-level discussions and bilateral meetings. These conversations will include collaborations with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focusing on the launch of the Global Land Observatory and enhancing efforts in rural development initiatives.
Key International Meetings
The Minister will also engage with leaders from Brazil and other nations facing similar land reform and agrarian justice challenges. The discussions will aim to facilitate the exchange of ideas on:
- Land Governance
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Justice
Ministerial Sessions and Plenary Highlights
Minister Nyhontso’s participation will extend to several important ministerial sessions, highlighting the role of agrarian reform in fostering:
- Peace
- Democracy
- Equitable Development
The South African delegation, which will include members from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development and senior departmental officials, will take part in critical plenaries and high-level segments such as:
- Inaugural Plenary: "Earth: past, present and future: the struggle of the peoples for Agrarian Reform"
- Thematic Sessions: Discussions focusing on the geopolitics of resources—specifically, control over land, oil, and minerals.
- Global Commitments: The "10 years for Agrarian Reform" plenary aims to secure international commitments for structural transformation.
Advocate for African Priorities
The South African Department of Land Reform views the ICARRD+20 as a pivotal opportunity for enhancing the African preparatory process. The conference aims to ensure that the continent’s priorities regarding land governance and dignified livelihoods remain central to the global agenda.
For more information about the challenges and strides in agrarian reform worldwide, you can explore FAO’s insights and delve into the significance of food sovereignty.
Conclusion
The ICARRD+20 conference represents a critical moment for rediscovering the paths to effective agrarian reform and equitable rural development globally. As Minister Nyhontso leads the South African delegation, the discussions and collaborations formed in Cartagena will aim to shape a more sustainable and just future for agricultural governance.
By engaging with key issues at this conference, South Africa is demonstrating its commitment to addressing land reform challenges, and amplifying the voices advocating for environmental and social justice on the global stage.
For further details, stay updated with news from SAnews.gov.za.
