Ireland has signed an agreement with the United Nations (UN) to provide €75m of funding to the World Food Programme (WFP) over three years.
The agreement was signed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue for the period 2022 to 2024.
“WFP is a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, which is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and Covid-19,” said Minister McConalogue.
“This represents our highest ever contribution and confirms Ireland’s commitment to fighting world hunger in conjunction with WFP.”
WFP is a UN organisation responsible for fighting hunger worldwide and is exclusively funded by voluntary contributions.
Minister McConalogue wants to use the signing of the agreement to encourage governments around the world to take steps towards funding the programme.
WFP executive director David Beasley said the UN WFP is proud of its partnership with Ireland, which has been a steadfast supporter to WFP for decades.
“Ireland has understood the impact of the climate crisis on food security and is a champion of nutrition. WFP thanks Ireland for the commitment made through various advocacy efforts and looks forward to continuing this partnership,” he added.