Munich, February 16, 2025 — On the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference, Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Cindy Hensley McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), to discuss the critical issue of food security and humanitarian aid. The meeting underscored the urgent need to bolster global efforts to address food insecurity and the escalating humanitarian crises that are affecting millions of people worldwide.
During the discussions, Albudaiwi emphasized the significance of strengthening food security and humanitarian support, particularly in the face of growing crises both regionally and globally. With many nations grappling with hunger, conflict, and economic instability, the importance of delivering timely, effective aid has never been more pressing. Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's commitment to supporting international initiatives aimed at alleviating food insecurity and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations in crisis-stricken areas.
The two leaders also reviewed a range of WFP initiatives designed to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the "Changing Lives" initiative. This program focuses on improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations, aiming to restore food security by addressing not only immediate food needs but also long-term solutions to enhance access to sustainable nutrition. Albudaiwi and McCain discussed how these programs are making a tangible difference in communities around the world and explored ways to further expand their impact.
A central theme of the meeting was how to enhance collaboration between the GCC and WFP in the fields of food security and humanitarian aid. Both parties acknowledged the need for increased global coordination to overcome the challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, natural disaster areas, and regions experiencing economic collapse. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, in a timely and efficient manner. Both the GCC and WFP expressed a shared commitment to improving the logistics, accessibility, and effectiveness of aid distribution systems.
Albudaiwi commended the WFP for its crucial role in providing emergency assistance to populations in need, recognizing the organization’s efforts in delivering food aid and alleviating suffering in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. He also underscored the GCC's ongoing support for WFP’s initiatives and reiterated the Council's dedication to contributing to global efforts aimed at achieving food security and humanitarian relief.
In turn, McCain acknowledged the significant contributions made by GCC countries in addressing both regional and international humanitarian challenges. She praised the GCC’s unwavering commitment to supporting the WFP’s mission and highlighted the invaluable role that member states have played in providing both financial and logistical support for global humanitarian initiatives. McCain emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address the root causes of food insecurity and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in dire need.
The meeting concluded with both Albudaiwi and McCain agreeing on the importance of strengthening their partnership to tackle the growing challenges of food insecurity and humanitarian crises. They committed to furthering their cooperation and working together to improve the lives of millions of people affected by hunger and poverty across the globe.