STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has launched its new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. It signifies the WFP’s transition from its traditional position as a source of food aid to one of support for inclusive and equitable national policy and capacity development.
The new CSP was presented at the Executive Board Meeting in Rome, Italy, by Chris Kaye, Country Director of WFP Pakistan. He stated that the WFP developed the new CSP by putting the collaboration with the government at the center of its interventions, building on the extensive discussions with stakeholders and taking advantage f the review of the present CSP.
WFP Pakistan
The WFP is increasingly focusing on empowering and assisting national and provincial institutions to address the nation’s food security and nutrition requirements, as evidenced by the four strategic outcomes of the CSP.
Additionally, the results will encourage fair access to resources, help people be ready for catastrophes and know how to handle them, and help people develop their resilience to deal with shocks like climate change.
Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri’s statements
In her comments at the Executive Board meeting, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Shazia Atta Marri, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between WFP and the Pakistani government and stated that WFP’s CSP gives a vision that is in line with government initiatives at both the federal and provincial levels.
She emphasized the two partners’ mutual confidence and accountability, citing the implementation of the large-scale stunting prevention program, the ‘Benazir Nashonuma Programme.’ The initiative is one of the most innovative and extensive efforts by any government in Southeast Asia to combat stunting.
She added that they acknowledge WFP’s skill and professionalism in assisting with implementing a technical program that will have a long-term influence on the future of women and children, communities, and the country as a whole.
The WFP Executive Board in Rome approved the revised CSP, which will go into effect on January 1, 2023.
