Retno Meets WFP Chief, Talks Free Nutritious Food Program

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain.

IDXChannel - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York on Tuesday (24/9/2024)..

During the meeting, Retno and McCain discussed the School Meals Coalition initiative. 

"The goals of this initiative are in line with Indonesia's national vision to improve children's nutrition and contribute to the development of human resources, in order to realise the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045," Retno said.

The meeting also discussed Indonesia's plan to increase its role as a food aid provider, especially to conflict-affected countries, including through the potential expansion of Indonesia's high-energy biscuit programme to areas of greatest need, such as Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

Retno also invited WFP to explore joint initiatives that integrate water and sanitation solutions in hunger alleviation strategies.

"Water availability and quality have a direct impact on food security and hunger eradication efforts," Retno said, adding that more than two billion people live in countries with inadequate water supply.

Global conflicts, economic crises, climate change, have resulted in food crises in various parts of the world. WFP's data in 2024 has shown that 309 million people are chronically hungry in 71 countries. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)