United Nations – Joint Statement following the meeting between Stéphane Séjourné and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (April 16, 2024)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Séjourné and Executive Director of United Nations World Food Programme, Cindy McCain met on 16 April 2024 in Paris.

Their meeting highlighted the excellent cooperation between France and WFP, in a wide range of activities and areas.

France and WFP emphasized the urgent need to respond to the global food crisis, which has been largely exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Both parties called to guarantee full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in conflict-affected regions, notably to the civilian population of Gaza, Sudan and its neighbouring countries.

The Minister announced the French contribution to the Grain from Ukraine Initiative, which will enable WFP to deliver Ukrainian wheat to the civilian population of Gaza.

The Minister also announced France’s support for WFP’s delivery of food aid to the north of the Gaza Strip.

As part of the Grain from Ukraine Initiative, WFP and France delivered Ukrainian wheat to vulnerable populations in Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria, over the last couple of years. Ukrainian cereals will also be delivered to Djibouti with the French contribution.

WFP and France also launched the Strategic Grain Reserve project, which will foster food and agricultural resilience in several countries including Djibouti, Ghana, and Angola.

France and WFP have welcomed the international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries organised by France, Germany and the European Union on 15 April in Paris, which enabled to pledge more than 2 billion euros to support civilian populations in Sudan and those who sought refuge in neighbouring countries in 2024. France has doubled its contribution, which will amount to €110 million and will be channeled partly through WFP.

France and WFP expressed their willingness to expand cooperation on various fronts. This includes fostering the excellent cooperation within the framework of the School Meals Coalition, hosted by WFP and co-chaired by France, Brazil and Finland, in the aftermath of the Global Summit of the Coalition held in Paris on October 2023, and supporting the private sector engagement in humanitarian aid, as well as WFP’s logistical role within the UN system.

The reinforced partnership between France and WFP reflects our joint efforts to address the most immediate humanitarian needs, and ultimately an end to hunger among the most vulnerable civilian populations.