Kuwait Hosts WFP Photo Exhibition On Partnership To Assist Syrians In Crisis
KUWAIT – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the State of Kuwait today inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting WFP’s assistance to Syrians affected by the conflict now entering its fifth year.
The exhibition opened today at the National Library of Kuwait in Kuwait City in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Khaled Suleiman Aljarallah and WFP’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and East Europe, Muhannad Hadi.
The photos reflect the many faces of the Syria crisis. They depict WFP’s work with Syrian refugees in the neighbouring countries and with families displaced inside their country. WFP has provided a lifeline to close to 6 million people on a monthly basis, providing food assistance and vouchers or “e-cards” to buy food. Kuwait has been one of WFP’s top donors since the onset of the Syria crisis.
“Kuwait has led the way among donors, mobilizing support for the people of Syria by hosting the international pledging conference three years in a row as well as pledging almost US$1 billion to meet the humanitarian needs for the Syrian people,” said Regional Director Muhannad Hadi. “The generosity of Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, made it possible for WFP to provide lifesaving food assistance for millions of Syrians and for that we are most grateful.”
The Emir of Kuwait was recognized by the UN Secretary-General in September 2014 as a “Humanitarian Leader” in recognition of his role in efforts to mobilize humanitarian support for the needs of the Syrian people. To date, Kuwait has provided US$77 million towards WFP’s Syria emergency response.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Khaled Suleiman Aljarallah said: “The photos are very expressive, especially the ones of children whose eyes worryingly gaze towards the future. They tell the story of the displacement of the Syrian people and how WFP is helping feed them with innovative ways. The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is always keen on extending Kuwait’s support to alleviate the suffering of Syrian children and the most vulnerable.”
The exhibition is open to the public until 26 March.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 75 countries.
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