The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has conveyed unwavering support for the priorities led by the People’s Coalition Government in developing food security and nutrition, addressing the impacts of climate change through disaster risk management, emergency preparedness and response.
The support will be mobilized by implementing the WFP Multi-Country Strategic Plan (2023-2027) with an anticipated value of USD $49.3 Million.
This was discussed at the presentation of credentials by the WFP Country Director and Representative for the Pacific Multi-Country Office, Mr Alpha Bah, to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua.
Hon. Qereqeretabua acknowledged the WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office for supporting Fiji in food security, emergency preparedness and national humanitarian response capacity in the face of natural disasters and building climate resilience.
She commended WFP’s commitment to the swift implementation of the Multi-Country Strategic Plan and reaffirmed Fiji’s support for the crucial work undertaken by WFP.
On the same note, Hon. Qereqeretabua welcomed WFP’s collaborative approach to building capacities and capabilities of Pacific Island Countries’ National Disaster Management Offices to prepare for and respond to disasters, in line with the organization’s global mandate and its obligations as cluster lead agency in Food Security, Logistics and Emergency Telecommunications.
Mr. Alpha Bah said he is pleased to present credentials to the Government of Fiji as WFP’s Representative and Country Director to the Pacific region.
“I am also pleased to share WFP’s Multi-Country Strategic Plan for the Pacific for 2023 to 2027, designed to support Pacific Island countries and territories in achieving food security and improved nutrition and to foster a reinforced partnership in strengthening national humanitarian response.
“Leveraging WFP’s comparative advantage in logistics and end-to-end supply chain management, emergency telecommunications, disaster risk management, and food security, WFP’s priority is to strengthen national and regional capacities to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters by supporting national initiatives to address gaps more effectively and efficiently, mainly focusing on those most at risk of being left behind.
“WFP is committed to continuing working with the Government of Fiji in support of initiatives in addressing the impact of climate change and other shocks through disaster risk management, emergency preparedness and response, food security and nutrition, and in tackling the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the communities,” he continued.
WFP Pacific Multi-Country Office Deputy Country Director, Ms Emma Conlan, also attended the meeting held on Thursday, 21/9/23.
WFP’s approach in the Pacific is to support Pacific governments and regional stakeholders in their efforts to better prepare for and respond to emergencies, including through better collection and analysis of food security and nutrition data, improvements to national social protection and disaster risk management, strengthening of the regional humanitarian architecture and increased focus on those most at risk of being left behind.
