WFP, Qatar sign $10m flexible funding agreement to fight hunger worldwide

Doha, Qatar: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) recently signed a strategic agreement providing $10m...

Doha, Qatar: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) recently signed a strategic agreement providing $10m in flexible funding over two years to rapidly deploy lifesaving assistance wherever hunger strikes — from sudden emergencies to neglected, protracted crises worldwide.

Signed on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, this contribution marks the State of Qatar’s latest flexible multilateral core contribution to WFP’s global operations, according to WFP. At a time of widening funding gaps, Qatar’s flexible support is vital for WFP to meet and stay ahead of rising humanitarian needs. These flexible funds will be utilised between 2025-2026.

“WFP is proud of our enduring partnership with Qatar, which through the Qatar Fund for Development continues to support our work delivering lifesaving food assistance to people in urgent need,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “Qatar’s flexible and predictable funding enables WFP to respond to hunger crises faster and more effectively.” Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, stated: “Qatar Fund for Development is steadfast in its mission to confront the root causes of hunger and poverty, ensuring that no community is left behind. Our enduring partnership with the World Food Programme reflects our shared determination to provide immediate relief to those in dire need, while also investing in long-term sustainable solutions. By combining flexible funding with innovative approaches, we are not only addressing urgent humanitarian needs but also empowering communities to achieve food security, resilience, and sustainable prosperity.” Flexible funding allows WFP to maximize impact for vulnerable communities - in 2024 alone, these unearmarked resources helped the agency reach people across 87 countries, responding rapidly to emergencies while also preventing hunger through early action ahead of extreme weather events as well as long-term programmes that help communities build resilience to future shocks.

Qatar’s support is particularly vital in the MENA region and least developed countries, where conflict, economic shocks, and climate change continue to drive hunger. In 2025, WFP requires US$16.9 billion to assist 123 million people globally, including US$5.6 billion for operations in the MENA region alone.

The global hunger crisis remains dire. Acute food insecurity affects 343 million people in 74 countries where WFP operates. Famine is unfolding in both Gaza and Sudan. An estimated 1.9 million people either in famine or on the brink – with the largest number in Gaza and Sudan and critical pockets in South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.