CFC Hosts LEADS Delegation to Strengthen Collaboration on Ethical Commodity Trade
26 June 2025, Amsterdam – Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), welcomed Mr. Monroe Jayasuriya, Chief Executive Director of LEADS, a leading Sri Lankan NGO dedicated to empowering marginalized communities across the country. Mr. Jayasuriya was accompanied by Ms. M. Rajakaruna and Ms. D. Croos Moraes.
The meeting fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas on CFC-supported initiatives, available financing mechanisms, and potential avenues for collaboration. Recognized as a beacon of hope in Sri Lanka, LEADS is committed to fostering safer environments and creating opportunities for vulnerable youth through transformative programs in child protection, community empowerment, emergency response, and sustainable social change.
Ambassador Belal introduced CFC’s pioneering "Humanizing Value Chains" initiative, which seeks to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and low-wage commodity workers through innovative, tech-driven solutions. Highlighting tools such as digital tipping and blockchain-enabled direct payments, he emphasized how artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies can strengthen transparency, equity, and social impact across global supply chains.
"By intentionally harnessing innovation for social good," Ambassador Belal noted, "we can create more equitable and sustainable outcomes for commodity producers worldwide."
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, explore actionable strategies, and advance a collective vision for more inclusive, human-centered, and sustainable global commodity value chains.
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