The funding represents Ireland’s biggest-ever financial commitment to the WFP, a 40% increase compared to the previous agreement. Ireland has committed €105 million to the United Nation‘s frontline agency combating global hunger and malnutrition.
The funding will be provided to the World Food Programme from 2025 to 2027. Agriculture Minister Heydon signed the new three-year Strategic Partnership Agreement while attending WFP’s Executive Board meeting in Rome. He emphasised Ireland’s commitment to tackling global hunger and food insecurity.
Minister Heydon stated: “This partnership underscores Ireland’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. By significantly increasing our support, we aim to bolster the WFP’s critical efforts in providing life-saving aid to those most in need.”
World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain praised Ireland’s pledge to combat global hunger. She said: “Our new Strategic Partnership Agreement, backed by Ireland’s largest ever financial contribution to WFP, marks a significant milestone in our growing collaboration. Their support is more vital than ever, and will enable WFP to deliver lifesaving assistance to millions of the world’s most vulnerable people over the next three years.”
Minister Heydon added: “As Ireland enters the final year of its term on the WFP Executive Board, this agreement reinforces its leadership role in global food security efforts. Ireland continues to advocate for effective, transparent, and needs-based humanitarian interventions.”
During his visit to Rome, Minister Heydon also held a bilateral meeting with Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to discuss shared priorities in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
