DUBAI (WAM)
Cindy H. McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), expressed gratitude for the UAE's unwavering support of the WFP, noting that the WFP recently received a contribution of $11.7 million from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in the form of direct food aid, which will benefit more than one million people in Gaza.
Speaking to WAM on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS), she highlighted the UAE’s significant role in providing aid to millions of people worldwide through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and strategic partnerships.
From 2022-2023, with the support of the MBRGI, the WFP provided more than 121 million meals to vulnerable communities in countries such as Burkina Faso, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Bangladesh, and “we look forward to continuing cooperation to deliver more meals to those affected around the world,” McCain said.
According to McCain, the turmoil the world is witnessing is having a serious impact on global food security by disrupting food supply chains, fuelling conflict, and hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations.
"With more than 333 million people suffering from acute hunger worldwide, it is essential for world leaders to prioritise cooperation and increase humanitarian funding. We must work together - before it's too late,” she added.
McCain said that ongoing global crises have led to increased demand for urgent humanitarian and development aid. Acute hunger remains at persistently high levels. "We are also seeing rising rates of malnutrition, increasing prevalence of undernutrition, and limited access to nutritious foods. All of these are tangible indicators of the worrying state of global food insecurity."
“World leaders must work together to invest in sustainable and long-term programmes and initiatives to strengthen global food security. This should include supporting sustainable agriculture, improving infrastructure, promoting safe and regular access to resources, strengthening social safety nets, and enhancing international cooperation to address the root causes of hunger and poverty,” she added.
McCain also pointed to the role of the WGS as an inspiring global platform that helps promote global cooperation by bringing together world leaders and decision-makers to address important global issues.
Role of Technology
On the role of advanced technology in supporting WFP initiatives, McCain said that in a rapidly changing world with a growing need for humanitarian support, harnessing advanced technologies, such as blockchain, satellite imagery, and data analytics can improve the ways in which food assistance is provided. Advanced technology can also enhance agricultural productivity and ensure the better monitoring of food security indicators.
The WFP has been implementing innovative solutions in fragile areas for over six decades. “We are constantly working to scale up advanced technologies that improve programme implementation. We also empower local innovators to create local solutions in all of our operations,” she said.
The WFP recently signed a partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment and Food Tech Valley to make lasting changes to global food systems through the transformative power of innovation and technology. McCain stressed that this important partnership with the UAE aims to benefit from the country’s technological expertise and track-record of innovation.