Addressing IFAD’s 42nd annual Governing Council meeting in Rome, on February 14, 2019 ,

Pope Francis said: “Innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives in the rural world.” While it is important to invest in innovation, business models and production efficiency, he said, we must also promote “science with a conscience,” putting technology at the service of the poor. “New technologies should not be opposed to local cultures and traditional knowledge,” said the Pope, “but should complement them and act in synergy with them.”