Cairo – 27 August 2025
Mohammed Khan, Fundraising and Partnerships Director at the Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network (AYSDN), participated at the Second Meeting of the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services (AFRAS), held in Cairo from 25 to 27 August. The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The forum brought together leading policymakers, experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations to discuss the development of rural advisory services and their role in advancing sustainable development across the Arab region.
During his intervention, Khan highlighted Yemen’s unique experience as a case that embodies both exceptional challenges and promising opportunities for rural transformation. He stressed the importance of innovative approaches to agricultural extension and rural services that address the needs of farmers, youth, and women.
Khan delivered two key contributions focusing on the role of policies, accountability, and oversight mechanisms in enhancing rural advisory services. His inputs received wide recognition from participants, particularly his contribution to the drafting and adoption of the Rural Advisory Services Document, which reinforces AYSDN’s role as a regional platform offering practical and actionable insights.
He emphasized that innovative partnerships and effective resource mobilization are essential to ensuring the sustainability of advisory services. He further called for greater inclusion of youth and women in policy processes, implementation, and accountability mechanisms, to enhance both the credibility and the effectiveness of rural services.
Khan concluded by stating:
“Despite the difficult challenges facing the region, it remains fertile ground for ideas and innovations that can evolve into successful regional models. At AYSDN, we strive to serve as a bridge connecting local initiatives with regional and global efforts, ensuring that the voice of youth continues to shape pathways of rural transformation in the Arab world.”
