The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) hosted on Monday a photo exhibition at its headquarters in Rome to acknowledge the generous contributions Gulf countries have made toward humanitarian operations around the world. The exhibition took place on the sidelines of the first session of the executive board and was inaugurated by WFP's executive director, David Beasley in the presence of ambassadors and permanent representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The photographs displayed portray the humanitarian situations in Yemen, Bangladesh, Jordan and other countries. This exhibition also showcased the impact of food assistance provided to vulnerable people thanks to contributions from the Gulf countries. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait, are not just donors but true humanitarian partners for WFP. "We are working together to strengthen innovation, emergency response, resilience and nutrition with the common aim of serving humanity," said Mageed Yahia, director of WFP's office in GCC. "I believe that when we work together to solve food security issues, we also help in reducing conflicts and unrest." With a combined contribution, from KSA, UAE and Kuwait, of more than $525 million, WFP has been able to support millions of the most vulnerable people with vital food assistance. This includes food rations that are sourced from local traders where possible and cash-based transfers that allow families to purchase their household needs from local supermarkets, providing an important boost to local economies. WFP continues to focus distributions of food assistance in the countries and areas where food shortages are most severe and where families and children are reliant on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. — SG
