As the world grapples with global crises, particularly hunger and malnutrition, the World Food Program is urging the private sector to help governments in solving those problems.
“We can no longer depend on governments to do everything. We just can’t. It’s not feasible,” WFP executive director Cindy McCain said in an interview.
“Private companies, private partnerships have got to be a part of this mix. And in many ways, it is their duty as world citizens. A lot of these corporations are worldwide, so it is their duty to be part of this solution – and a part of helping to stop hunger around the world,” she added.
The WFP actively promotes private sector cooperation and there has been a growing interest in public-private partnerships to address hunger, she said.
When it comes to the Philippines, she noted that the country is “doing much better” in terms of funding compared to other countries where the WFP operates. This is a good thing for Filipinos as the WFP has been experiencing “donor fatigue,” with its funding being slashed by half since last year.
McCain said that the lower funding would affect some of the WFP’s programs but it would not impact their work in the Philippines since there is “great support” in the country.
“But in other parts of the globe, (the lower funding) has affected it very much,” she said.
The WFP’s total budget for the Philippines stands at $131.193 million from 2024 to 2028. For this year, it is allocating $26.522 million for its work in the country that involves boosting food security, addressing hunger, providing proper nutrition, and capacitating farmers against climate change.
Despite doing better compared to other countries in terms of support to the WFP, hunger and malnutrition are still significant issues for thousands, if not millions of Filipinos. This means that the private sector, government, and non-government organizations will have to work harder together if a lasting and sustainable solution is to be found. Hopefully that kind of cooperation will increase further and not backslide.*
