MBRGI expands international partnerships to achieve food security

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), through its 1 Billion Meals campaign, has announced its support for a U.N. fund, which aims to address chronic malnutrition.

Through its cooperation, MBRGI will allocate AED 5.5 million to UNITLIFE Trust Fund, which is governed by the Government of France, UN Women, the World Food Programme and the Ecobank Foundation.

The grant will support the development of innovative agricultural solutions, empowering women and mothers, and preventing chronic malnutrition, especially among children, in Senegal, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaching more than 300,000 beneficiaries.

The partnership is a major addition to the food aid pathway provided by MBRGI through the 1 Billion Meals initiative, which aims to provide food aid to the underprivileged in 50 countries, especially marginalised groups, including children, refugees and victims of disasters and crises.

Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO at MBRGI, said, "Humanitarian aid and relief are a pillar of MBRGI's work. This aid was provided by our food support initiatives over the past three years: 10 Million Meals in 2020, 100 Million Meals in 2021, and 1 Billion Meals this year. We are now unlocking new avenues to ensure the sustainability of this food support in underprivileged communities."

"Owing to this partnership, UNITLIFE will be able to fund operations that explore innovative solutions considered widely applicable in Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal, thus shaping a healthier tomorrow for today's children and future generations. Providing good nutrition to children during the first 1,000 days of life will allow them to have a fairer start, unlocking their full potential," added Philippe Douste-Blazy, Chairman of the Board of UNITLIFE.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (@MBRInitiatives), through its 1 Billion Meals initiative, announces its support for the United Nations UNITLIFE Trust Fund, which aims to address chronic malnutrition across the globe.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2023

MBRGI has chosen to support UNITLIFE because its projects focus on Africa. It also develops ambitious programmes and projects that support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, enhancing food security, empowering women and protecting children from malnutrition.

In Senegal, MBRGI contributes AED2.2 million to the integrated food resilience support project implemented by the NGO Action Against Hunger.

Launched in October 2022, the two-year project will include 26 Senegalese villages and annually provide 730,000 nutritious meals to 30,600 direct and indirect beneficiaries.

MBRGI also supports healthy farm projects and dairy industry development and enhances agricultural financing options for farmers.

In Niger, MBRGI contributes more than AED1.1 million to the second phase of a project that aims to improve the sustainability of food systems and production, develop food security and enhance opportunities for inclusive financing.

Implemented by the NGO GOAL Global and launched in October 2022, the one-year projects include 20 villages and provide 912,500 nutritious meals annually to more than 142,485 direct and indirect beneficiaries.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MBRGI contributes more than AED1.8 million to a project to establish a dynamic network that empowers women in agricultural communities.

Implemented by UN Women and launched in September 2022, the 17-month project will cover the provinces of Kinshasa and Kwango and provides 1,077,300 nutritious meals annually to more than 128,558 direct and indirect beneficiaries.