Collaboration is the true bedrock of what World Food Programme is all about in the Pacific, because our world here is very different then elsewhere.
Those were the words of Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain during a traditional welcoming ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel for her first official visit to Fiji since taking up the role of Executive Director.
McCain says although they are strongly committed to improving food security in the Pacific region, they do not distribute food or cash themselves, or directly support communities to improve agriculture and bolster their food security.
She says instead, they work with everyone to strengthen national and regional systems and capacities so they are better prepared and can respond to natural disasters which so often leads to food insecurity.
McCain has assured that the World Food Programme stands ready to continue to work with the coalition government and the Pacific to achieve the shared goals of climate resilience and food security.
While officiating at the welcome ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad commended the World Food Programme for working closely with the Government of Fiji and other Pacific Island countries and regional organisations to better anticipate, prepare for, respond, and recover from the impacts of climate change and other issues in the region.
Prof. Prasad says this is an excellent opportunity for Fiji and the Pacific to discuss the many issues, exchange views on existing challenges and further their development agenda.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, members of the diplomatic corps and relevant associates from respective organisations.
McCain was also accorded a traditional welcome ceremony.
