Ireland is significantly ramping up its support for global hunger relief with a new three-year Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The agreement, signed during the WFP’s Executive Board meeting in Rome, commits Ireland to providing €105 million in funding to the world’s largest humanitarian organization between 2025 and 2027. This marks Ireland’s largest-ever financial contribution to the WFP, reflecting a 40% increase from its previous commitment.
Minister Heydon highlighted Ireland’s ongoing commitment to addressing global food insecurity, stating that the partnership emphasizes the country’s dedication to humanitarian aid and sustainable development. The funds will support WFP’s life-saving efforts to assist those affected by hunger and malnutrition around the world.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of WFP, expressed gratitude for Ireland’s support, noting that the increased funding will enable the WFP to provide critical aid to millions of vulnerable individuals across the globe. This partnership is seen as a vital step in combatting the growing crisis of food insecurity, worsened by conflicts, climate change, and economic instability.
In his remarks, Minister Heydon also reflected on Ireland’s leadership role in global food security as it enters its final year on the WFP Executive Board. He reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to promoting transparent, needs-based humanitarian interventions to ensure effective responses to hunger crises.
During his visit to Rome, Minister Heydon also met with Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to discuss shared priorities such as sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience—issues central to both organizations’ missions.
This partnership marks an important milestone in Ireland’s long-standing efforts to support international humanitarian initiatives and underscores the country’s growing influence in global food security efforts.
References:
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
- World Food Programme
Picture: Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD with Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain signing the new three-year Strategic Partnership Agreement 2025-2027. ©WFP/Rein Skullerud.
