From June 24 to 28 the Executive Board will convene for an in-depth 4.5-day session packed with key discussions. The agenda is rich with topics crucial to WFP's mission, offering valuable perspectives on strategic initiatives and performance outcomes.
Intervention by H.E. Mr. Youssef Balla, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco and President of the WFP Executive Board 2024. Photo: © WFP/Matteo Minnella
While the focus of the annual session is on accountability and oversight items and annual reports of the achievements of the preceding year, this will also be a forward-looking session with updates on the impact of organizational reform, operational challenges and opportunities – including Special guest segments and side events on innovative financing, the power of data, artificial intelligence for humanitarian action and nurturing partnerships for South-South and Triangular cooperation.
Highlights
The morning session on the first day, Monday 24 June, will feature the adoption of the agenda, the election to fill one vacant position in the EB Bureau and the appointment of the Rapporteur. This will be followed by the opening remarks of the Executive Director.
Monday, 24 June 15:00 - Special address by Dr James Mwangi, Chief Executive Officer of Equity Group Holdings
Dr. James Mwangi, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Equity Group Holdings, will address the Board focusing on support to smallholder farmers and value chain actors through private sector investment and innovative financing solutions.
Dr. Mwangi will emphasize the successful partnership between Equity Bank and WFP, which leverages innovative financing solutions to support smallholder farmers, and will share his vision for expanding this collaboration and attracting more investment to these areas. In particular, he will showcase the potential impact of private sector engagement in achieving zero hunger, providing valuable perspectives on enhancing food security through impact investments.
Thursday, 27 June 15:00 - Special address by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
Mr. Martin Griffiths has served as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator since 2021. He has been a tireless advocate within the humanitarian community, aiming at revitalizing the humanitarian system and leading the way for humanitarian diplomacy efforts, notably in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Mr. Griffiths has played a crucial role in facilitating the strong collaboration between WFP and OCHA in responding to crises such as Gaza, the Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar. Drawing on his extensive humanitarian and mediation experience, he will share his reflections on his tenure as Emergency Relief Coordinator as well as his perspective on WFP's role in addressing multiple complex crises.
Annual performance report for 2023: despite challenges, in 2023 WFP delivered assistance to more than 152 million people, responding to 47 sudden-onset emergencies with a median transfer response time of 24 hours, outperforming the target of responding within 72 hours. Private sector support grew, with USD 272 million raised, exceeding the target by USD 22 million, and 21.4 million schoolchildren reached, for an increase of 1.4 million compared to 2022. Read the full report.
Audited annual accounts, 2023: WFP's financial statements for 2023 were found to be fair and in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). As per overall conclusion, in 2023 WFP faced a significant decrease in voluntary contributions, which dropped by 40.8 percent to USD 8.3 billion. This led to a deficit of USD 1.7 billion, compared to a surplus of USD 3.0 billion in 2022. Some of the recommendations emphasize the need for WFP to enhance budget management by establishing criteria for revising the Management Plan amid funding fluctuations and to improve coordination between budget functions. Additionally, the recommendations highlight the need of refining internal controls, ensuring accurate financial processes, strengthening partner monitoring, simplifying the delegation of authority framework, and more. Read the full report here.
2023 Annual Evaluation Report: the report outlines WFP’s strategic shift from direct implementation to a more "enabling" role, supporting national partners while maintaining emergency response capabilities. Part 1 highlights achievements and systemic constraints, while Part 2 evaluates WFP’s performance against policy outcomes. Despite successes, challenges include earmarked funding, insufficient human resources, non-optimized structures, and fragmented CSP design. Read the full report here.
Update to the management plan (2024-2026): the updated WFP management plan (2024–2026) acknowledges a reduced contribution forecast of USD 8 billion for 2024, down from an initial USD 10 billion. This adjustment prompts revisions in operational requirements, now projected at USD 18 billion, down from USD 22.7 billion. To address funding shortfalls, the Board will be requested to approve a reduced 2024 programme support and administrative appropriation and additional cost-saving measures. Read the full report.
The Guinea CSP (2024-2029), Lesotho CSP (2024-2029) and Nicaragua CSP (2024-2029) will be presented under the regional portfolios. Government officials from capitals, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Guinea are expected to deliver statements following the approval of their respective CSPs.
Interim report on the governance review: the Executive Board established a working group on the governance review in November 2023 to evaluate the recommendations provided by an independent consultant in the 2023 Governance review report and consider other governance initiatives as it may deem appropriate. This interim report provides a progress update and a first set of recommendations for immediate implementation by the Secretariat upon Board approval. Recommendations include the holding of an annual “strategic dialogue” to create a space for the membership and management to discuss strategic issues, restructuring the format and agendas of Board sessions, reinforcing the word limits of Board documents, redesigning the induction sessions for the Board and the Bureau, and digital transformation efforts.
Policy issues will include an oral update on disability inclusion.
For more details on the session’s agenda and documents, visit the annual Board session webpage.
How WFP’s Global Data Strategy accelerates the global fight against hunger
Tuesday, 25 June – 13.30-14.30
Artificial Intelligence for Humanitarian Action
Wednesday, 26 June – 13.30-14.30
WFP management is heavily investing in technology and digital transformation to combat hunger. This commitment will be showcased during the annual session with two side events presented by our Technology Division. The first event focuses on WFP’s Global Data Strategy, detailing how data management can enhance humanitarian efforts. The second event delves into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving response to crises; the events will feature Executive Director Cindy McCain, Chief of Staff and Chair of the WFP Digital Business Technology Committee Ms. Meghan Latcovich, and a panel of experts discussing AI investments and future benefits.
South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Nurturing Partnerships and Sharing Solutions Thursday, 27 June – 13.30-14.30
Drawing insights from government representatives and field experts, the event aims to provide practical insights and strategies for leveraging partnerships and resources to improve food security.
The event will discuss how WFP supports countries in sharing knowledge and solutions to achieve zero hunger and strengthen partnerships. It will highlight examples of south-south and triangular cooperation and explore ways to enhance WFP's role in supporting countries' development goals.
Exhibit: Individual Fundraising – 2024 and beyond (Red Foyer)
Launch: Tuesday, 25 June, 08:45–09:30
The Private Sector Partnerships Division's Individual Fundraising (IF) team has grown rapidly since its 2020 launch, mobilizing millions globally to combat hunger. With 2.4 million supporters and 450 million meals shared, IF has achieved a USD 5 return for every USD 1 invested, supporting emergency responses and transformative projects. Using digital platforms like the ShareTheMeal app, emails, WhatsApp, TV, and social media, IF prioritizes user experience and long-term engagement.
Partnering with WFP USA, the Japan Association for WFP (JAWFP), and celebrities, IF aims to increase annual income to USD 321 million by 2030. The exhibit showcases IF's journey, successes, stakeholder connections, and commitment to transparency.
Exhibit: UNHAS @ 20 (Blue Foyer)
Celebrate UNHAS' 20th anniversary during the Executive Board's annual session and until 5 July!
The exhibit features photos and videos capturing UNHAS' achievements during two decades of humanitarian air service. Exploring UNHAS' impactful journey, the exhibit aims to foster support for its ongoing mission and future endeavors in humanitarian aviation.