UAE Pledges $25 Million To World Food Programme For Sudan Crisis Relief

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formalised an agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide emergency food assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Sudan and South Sudan. This initiative targets refugees, host communities, internally displaced people, and returnees impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The agreement was signed between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and WFP. Representing the UAE was Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development Affairs. Matthew Nims, Director of the Washington Office, signed on behalf of WFP. The ceremony took place at the UAE Mission to the UN in New York, attended by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General.

According to recent data, 17.7 million people in Sudan and 7.1 million in South Sudan are facing acute food insecurity due to the war. To address this crisis, the UAE has committed a total of US$25 million in aid: US$20 million for Sudan and US$5 million for South Sudan.

Statements from Key Figures

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, expressed gratitude for the contribution. "WFP welcomes all pledges towards our lifesaving food operations in Sudan. With this contribution, we will be able to assist vulnerable people who are at risk of sliding into famine," she said.

This contribution is part of the UAE’s larger US$70 million commitment announced in April at the "International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries." This fund aims to support UN agencies and humanitarian organisations working to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Call to Action

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh highlighted the urgency of addressing widespread hunger in Sudan and neighbouring countries. "With widespread hunger in Sudan and neighbouring countries, our partnership with WFP will assist those most vulnerable facing the devastating ramifications of this war. We cannot allow another famine to unfold in Sudan. The long-term impacts of famine, particularly on children, are incalculable. This is a call to action to halt famine in its tracks," she stated.

The agreement underscores the UAE's commitment to international humanitarian efforts and its proactive role in addressing global crises through strategic partnerships.

With inputs from WAM