Monaco takes part in 2nd Virtual Regular Session of World Food Programme - Executive Board, Nobel Prize 2020

Monaco’s Embassy in Italy and representatives from the Department of International Cooperation followed the work of the Second Virtual Regular Session of the World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Board, which took place from 16 to 20 November. Monaco made a statement, firstly emphasising the Prince’s Government’s commitment to the WFP within the United Nations COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, and secondly reiterating its support for the WFP’s three-year programmes in the seven priority countries covered by Monaco’s Official Development Assistance Policy, as part of the Decade of Action on Nutrition.

This historic Second Session of the WFP Executive Board was held following the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 to the WFP. The session opened with a video paying tribute to WFP staff, followed by a message from the United Nations Secretary-General, who hailed the work carried out by all colleagues, “side by side, including during the pandemic” to deliver assistance to 100 million of the most vulnerable people living in the most dangerous areas in the world. The WFP’s Executive Director noted that the prize also recognised the commitment of governments and all of the partners who enable the Programme to fulfil its mandate in service of food security and peace.

An event on the theme Breaking down institutional silos and ensuring more integrated programming, funding and implementation highlighted the importance of collaboration between UN agencies and all stakeholders, including donors, to stem the increase in hunger (690 million people are still suffering from food insecurity, with 270 million more at risk of famine due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic). The United Nations Secretary General renewed his appeal for a global ceasefire and urged all partners to respond to the “moral imperative to eliminate hunger by 2030.”

The WFP approved its Management Plan for 2021–2023, its Protection and Accountability Policy, and its Disability Inclusion Road Map, as well as a revision of the Burundi Country Strategic Plan (Burundi receives support from Monaco’s Official Development Assistance for a school feeding programme). There were oral presentations on the measures taken by the WFP in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and on preparations for the United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021. The WFP is responsible for Action Track 5 of this event, on building resilience to vulnerabilities.

https://cooperation-monaco.gouv.mc

https://fr.wfp.org/school-meals

https://fr.wfp.org/communiques-de-presse/la-principaute-de-monaco-soutient-laide-durgence-du-pam-face-au-covid-19-en