On February 10–11, 2026, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) convened its 49th Governing Council meeting in Rome, Italy. Liao Min, China’s Governor to IFAD and Vice Minister of Finance, led the Chinese delegation to the meeting. Liao Min noted that this Governing Council meeting, themed on supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas, is of great significance. Young people are a key force driving transformation in agricultural and food systems. IFAD should continue to invest in people and leverage the leading role of youth in the development of digital agriculture; deepen global partnerships to build a comprehensive network of funding, knowledge, and partnerships for rural youth entrepreneurship; and strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation to help rural youth in different regions share in the fruits of development. During the meeting, Liao Min also met with IFAD President Lario, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, Brazilian Deputy Minister of Finance Roxidan, and Italian Director-General of the Department of Economy and Finance Babieri to exchange in-depth views on multilateral and bilateral financial issues of mutual concern.