Riyadh: Following the global economic crisis of 1973, Saudi Arabia extended a $50 million grant to the World Food Program (WFP) between 1975 and 1976 to support food aid initiatives for those affected. This marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s enduring partnership with WFP, which has now spanned five decades.
Saudi Arabia’s consistent support has played a vital role in combating global hunger, which currently affects 343 million people worldwide. Through both direct aid and collaboration with WFP, the Kingdom has reached numerous countries and continents, becoming a key model in the fight against hunger.
In a recent move, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment by signing a five-year cooperation agreement between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and WFP. This partnership will focus on addressing humanitarian challenges, disaster risk reduction, capacity building, and logistics support.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian support plays a valuable role in WFP’s efforts to stop hunger and malnutrition in their tracks. As we look to the future, we are pleased to reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening and expanding this partnership to reach even more people in need,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
Saudi Arabia's support has been instrumental during global crises, including a historic $500 million grant during the 2008 financial crisis to aid millions affected by rising food prices. In 2014, the Kingdom contributed over $200 million to support displaced families in Iraq, Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, and those from South Sudan and Somalia.
With this renewed collaboration, Saudi Arabia and WFP continue to pave the way for global humanitarian relief, further strengthening their joint mission to combat hunger and malnutrition worldwide.
