UAE’s $25 Million Contribution to UN World Food Programme for Humanitarian Aid in Sudan
The United Arab Emirates has recently entered into a significant agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to extend emergency food aid to populations affected by the crisis in Sudan and South Sudan. This initiative targets refugees, host communities, internally displaced persons, and returnees impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The formal agreement, conducted between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and WFP, was signed by Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development Affairs, representing the UAE, and Matthew Nims, Director of Washington Office, representing WFP. The signing ceremony took place at the UAE Mission to the UN in New York, in the presence of Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General.
The crisis in Sudan has left 17.7 million people, and in South Sudan, 7.1 million, facing severe food insecurity due to the effects of war. In response, the UAE has pledged a total of US$25 million in aid, with US$20 million earmarked for Sudan and US$5 million for South Sudan.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, expressed gratitude for the UAE’s commitment, stating, “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.”
This pledge forms part of the UAE’s broader commitment of US$70 million announced in April at the “International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries.” Lana Zaki Nusseibeh emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “With widespread hunger in Sudan and neighboring 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.”
