UN – Conversation between Catherine Colonna and World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain (17 september 2023)

On September 17, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain met in New York to discuss solutions to the global food crisis, which has been heavily impacted by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and particularly by the systematic destruction of its grain silos.

The minister noted that our contribution to the WFP doubled between 2021 and 2022.

She announced an additional contribution of €40 million in support of the Grain from Ukraine initiative to facilitate the shipment of grain to Nigeria and Sudan, additional aid to the Ukrainian food system, and the restructuring of the WPF’s regional reserves.

On October 18 and 19, France will host the first international meeting of the School Meals Coalition, which will also receive funds from this latest contribution. In December, Paris will also host the replenishment consultation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

France is more committed than ever to the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition. We will take concrete action to support those in need in the face of those who are destroying food silos and threatening the trade routes that make grain available to importing countries.