World Food Programme introduces its new representative in Timor-Leste
DILI – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes Ms. Cecilia Garzon as its new Country Representative in Timor-Leste. On 18 October, Ms. Garzon formally presented her credentials to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Julião da Silva, and reiterated WFP’s commitment to improving food security and ending all forms of malnutrition in Timor-Lestethe country, while helping to strengthening the country’s capacities to respond to climate shocks.
WFP appreciates the strong partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to address food security and nutrition in the country. WFP remains committed to improving the health and nutrition of the people of Timor-Leste, with its focus on vulnerable communities, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, and school-aged children,” Garzon said.
WFP’s incoming Country Director also underlined WFP’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable communities have access to nutritious food, strengthen national food systems and supply chains, and invest in disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
The acting Minister in turn highlighted WFP’s contribution in Timor-Leste through humanitarian assistance to respond to the challenges most recently posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Seroja. The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to overcoming challenges in improving food security and reducing malnutrition - together with WFP.
Ms. Garzon has over 25 years of experience in WFP with a strong background in nutrition and food security. She was previously based in Afghanistan as the Head of Programme, where she led the country’s emergency operations.
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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 climate change.
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