This marks Ireland's largest contribution to date.
Ireland has committed to providing €75 million to the UN World Food Programme over the next three years.
The agreement was signed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Overseas Development Aid & Diaspora Colm Brophy, and World Food Programme Chief David Beasley.
https://twitter.com/agriculture_ie/status/1471044616808022024?s=20
“I am very pleased to announce that we have signed a new Strategic Partnership Agreement with the World Food Programme that will see Ireland's contribution increase to €75m over the next three years," McConalogue said.
"This represents our highest ever contribution and confirms Ireland's commitment to fighting world hunger, in conjunction with WFP.”
115.5 million people in 84 countries received assistance from the World Food Programme in 2020 through food or cash distributions in emergencies.
17 million of those helped last year were children.
The programme also provides nutrition support programmes and training to build resilience to climate and other shocks.
“The UN World Food Programme is proud of its partnership with Ireland, a steadfast supporter to WFP for decades," WFP Chief Beasley said.
"This new multi-year Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) will extend support until 2024, providing flexible and key support particularly in Syria and those countries affected by the Syrian crisis, reaching vulnerable refugees across the region.
"Ireland has understood the impact of the climate crisis on food security and is a champion of nutrition. WFP thanks Ireland for the commitment made through various advocacy efforts and looks forward to continuing this partnership.”
"Addressing hunger is a cornerstone of Ireland’s international development policy – one that is informed and influenced by our own experiences of famine and food insecurity," Minister Brophy said.
"Ireland’s partnership with WFP is an important expression of this commitment, at a time when food insecurity is at unprecedented levels.
"45 million people in 43 countries are at risk of sliding into famine. But humanitarian crises will never be solved by humanitarian responses alone.
"That is why we are using Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council to advocate for political action that addresses this challenge, working very closely with the WFP."
