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It provides food assistance in crises and works with local communities to improve their food security. In 2023, WFP supported 160 million people in 120 countries.

Germany actively supports WFP both financially and politically, playing a central role as a member of the Executive Board. Since 2016, Germany has been the second-largest donor, contributing over €1.3 billion in 2023. In December 2020, WFP received the Nobel Peace Prize for its global efforts to combat hunger.

Mission and Goals

WFP was established in 1961 with the aim of fighting hunger and improving nutrition worldwide. The strategic plan, renewed every four years, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger.

The 2022–2025 plan focuses on providing food assistance to those at acute risk of hunger while improving food security through resilience-building measures. WFP is increasingly relying on proactive humanitarian assistance to prevent crises.

Causes of Hunger and the Current Food Crisis

Conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change are major drivers of humanitarian crises. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further worsened the situation: the number of acutely malnourished people rose from 135 million to 345 million, with nearly 47 million facing famine.

What Does WFP Do?

With over 23,000 staff in more than 120 countries, WFP is active in crisis situations. Its programs include:

• Direct food distribution, cash, or vouchers for those affected by crises.
• Transitional assistance to stabilize situations after emergencies.

WFP also engages in long-term projects to promote economic development, adapt to climate change, and create sustainable food security.

Additionally, WFP provides logistical support to other UN humanitarian organizations in crisis areas.

Institutional Structure

The Executive Board is the central governing body of WFP, comprising 36 member states elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the FAO Council. The Board meets three times a year to review projects and budgets.

Germany is a founding member and part of the Executive Board. The Executive Director leads the organization and is appointed for five years by the UN Secretary-General and the FAO Director.

Funding

WFP is entirely funded by voluntary contributions. After record donations of $14.2 billion in 2022, WFP experienced a decline in 2023 to about $8.2 billion, reflecting the strained budgets of traditional donors. Germany supports WFP in diversifying its donor base.

WFP and Germany

Since 2016, Germany has been the second-largest donor to WFP, contributing over €1.2 billion in 2023. The German government supports WFP through both emergency food assistance and long-term projects. By providing flexible contributions, Germany significantly enhances WFP's efficiency.

The Federal Foreign Office promotes humanitarian projects, while the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports WFP’s development cooperation initiatives.

As of November 2024

WFP Executive Director
Cindy McCain (United States of America), since April 2023

WFP
World Food Programme
Via Cesare Giulio Viola, 68
Parco dei Medici
00148 - Rome, Italy
Internet: https://www.wfp.org/