World Food Programme: 266 Million People Face Severe Food Insecurity
The new Executive Director of the World Food Programme warns of a global food crisis.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
New York, October 29 (KUNA) – David Beasley, the new Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), warned that 266 million people worldwide are currently facing acute food insecurity. He noted that conflicts are behind the suffering of about two-thirds of these individuals, while disruptions to global supply chains are exacerbating the crisis.
This statement came during a press conference held by Beasley at United Nations headquarters on Wednesday night, his first since officially assuming his post a few days ago, in which he outlined the challenges facing the programme’s operations and its priorities for the coming period.
Beasley stated that the WFP continues to deliver humanitarian aid despite growing challenges, adding that programme staff are overcoming field obstacles and reaching hard-to-access areas, including through aerial drops. He explained that WFP operations are currently focusing particularly on Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, given the dire humanitarian conditions in these three countries, and reaffirmed the continued efforts to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
In this context, he announced that his first field visit in the coming weeks will be to Sudan, which is facing an extremely critical situation due to worsening acute hunger. The visit aims to personally express appreciation for frontline workers and their dedication to their duties.
He stressed that the coming phase requires a focus on implementing humanitarian programmes by protecting and empowering WFP staff, strengthening partnerships with donors to secure necessary funding for humanitarian projects, and continuously improving operational efficiency.
He pointed out that a key priority for the programme is enhancing investments in disaster preparedness before crises occur, as well as expanding school feeding programmes, which he viewed as a significant global opportunity and a major area of interest for donors.
The UN official expressed his appreciation for frontline workers who continue to carry out their duties under extremely difficult conditions in some of the most challenging regions worldwide. (End) A.S.T. / R.J.
