Qatar donates 120 tonnes of dates to UN WFP operations in Pakistan

Qatar donates 120 tonnes of dates

The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Department of Agricultural Affairs, handed over the State of Qatar’s in-kind contribution of 120 tonnes of packed dates for the year 2021, to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The handing over of the dates valued at US$400,000 took place on the sidelines of the Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental Exhibition 2022. It reflects Qatar’s commitment to contribute to the international efforts to provide food aid to countries in crises and those most in need of food security.

The contribution was officially handed over to Caterina Galluzzi – WFP Deputy Director for the GCC region, by Youssef Khaled Al-Khulaifi - Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department, and Muhammad Ahmed Al-Khanji - the official contact point for the Ministry of Municipality to follow up on the annual contribution of dates to WFP.

Galluzzi thanked the people and Government of the State of Qatar represented by the Ministry of Municipality and the Environment for their generous support which enables WFP to continue improving the nutrition of the most vulnerable populations in Pakistan.

The in-kind donation of 120 MT of dates will support WFP’s operations in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and will be used as part of WFP’s ongoing nutrition interventions for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition across Pakistan, focusing on children under 5 and pregnant and lactating women; and will target around 40,000 beneficiaries in three rounds on monthly basis.

Yousef Al-Khulaifi said that this contribution stems from the concept of partnership with the World Food Programme, being one of the key United Nations’ agencies supporting humanitarian and international initiatives, providing food aid for people suffering from conflicts or emergencies, and contributing to changing the lives of millions through sustainable development projects.

Since 2004, Qatar has been a strong donor to the World Food Programme, providing an annual contribution in the form of packed Qatari dates purchased locally. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Khanji said that Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, grants its contribution of dates every year to many countries around the world through the World Food Programme.

“Dates are considered one of the rich and nutritious foods that are valued by countries in crisis and the most needy, and this contribution of dates works to complete the basic food rations provided to these countries, in order to help them diversify their diets and cover their nutritional needs.”

“We are grateful to Qatar for their generous in-kind contribution. The Qatar dates-– rich in vitamins and minerals – will be distributed in our ongoing nutrition programme for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition in Pakistan, focusing on children under five and pregnant and lactating women. They are very helpful for not only feeding the beneficiaries but also nourishing their minds”, said WFP Pakistan Country Director Rathi Palakrishnan.