First-time design & jewellery collaboration spotlights food security and support to WFP at El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt

The collaborators behind the initiative created a bespoke piece of jewellery that was unveiled at the opening of the El Gouna Film Festival and worn by Kiwan on the red carpet. Following the festival, the piece will be auctioned to raise funds for WFP projects in Egypt serving the most vulnerable communities.

“Food security is one of the defining challenges of our time, yet for many people it remains a distant reality. What makes this collaboration so powerful is the commitment of partners who have chosen to use their talent, creativity and platforms to bring this conversation to audiences and spaces where WFP has not traditionally been present,” said Rawad Halabi, WFP Representative and Country Director in Egypt. “Achieving food security for all requires all of us, and purpose-driven partnerships like this help ensure that food security remains a conversation everyone is part of while also helping raise funds to go straight to communities that we serve.”

All three contributed their expertise, time and resources on a pro bono basis.The initiative highlights the role that artists, designers and cultural influencers can play in bringing humanitarian issues to new audiences and encouraging collective action.

“One of the greatest strengths of film and culture is their ability to connect people to realities beyond their own experiences,” said actress Enjy Kiwan. “Food security may feel like a distant issue to some, but it is a daily reality for millions around the world. I am proud to be part of a collaboration that helps bring this conversation to new audiences through one of the region’s most influential cultural platforms. By bringing together art, design and development action, I hope we can inspire greater awareness, empathy and support for a cause that is core to humanity.”

Mekhtigian designed the piece around the wheat imagery in WFP’s emblem. Wheat is one of the world’s essential staple crops and a longstanding symbol of food security and nourishment.

“When designing this piece, I wanted it to embody empowerment, which sits at the heart of both the design and the cause it represents,” said architect and designer Karim Mekhtigian. “Inspired by the wheat symbol in WFP’s emblem, the piece reflects the strength, resilience and potential that emerge when people have access to food, opportunity and the means to shape their own futures.”

IRAM brought the design to life through its craftsmanship and production support. “At IRAM, we believe jewellery should do more than adorn; it should tell a story, carry meaning and reflect the values we stand for,” said Raafat Nassar, Chairman of IRAM Jewelry. “We are proud to support WFP’s mission through a piece that sparks conversation around food security while giving back to vulnerable communities. Through the contribution to be raised from auctioning this piece, we are certain that this will translate creativity into tangible impact for the vulnerable communities supported by WFP.”

#                 #                   #

About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of weather extremes.

Follow us on X and Instagram: @WFP_Egypt