2011-12-21-
Ms Marina Catena, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) for France and the Principality of Monaco, visited Monaco on 19th and 20th December 2011.
During her visit, Ms Catena discussed various issues with Mr José Badia, Minister for External Relations, Mr Paul Masseron, Minister of the Interior, Ms Isabelle Bonnal, Director of National Education, Youth and Sport (DENJS) and Mr Jérôme Froissart, Director of the International Cooperation.
Within this context, the good relationship that exists between the Principality of Monaco and WFP, by means of projects implemented with the organisation, was also broached: project in cooperation with Andorra, conducted jointly with WFP and the United Nations Population Fund, with a view to reducing the vulnerability of women of childbearing age in Madagascar, including pregnant and nursing women, as well as children between 6 and 24 months, the involvement of Monaco in emergency aid implemented by WFP and the Free Rice programme*.
The Government of Monaco has significantly increased its contributions to WFP over the last six years, multiplying the amount of funds allocated to the organisation five-fold in 2011 compared to the average of the last six years.
Moreover, the WFP Director met Monegasque Non-Governmental Organisations active in the field of international solidarity.
Set up in 1962, WFP is the largest humanitarian agency to combat hunger in the world. WFP handles the logistics for the United Nations system and the entire international community, and saves lives thanks to its fast and efficient action in the event of an emergency situation. Funded entirely by voluntary contributions, this UN organisation fed 100 million people in 2010. 80% of the beneficiaries of WFP's food aid are women and children. WFP works with over 3,500 partner NGOs in order to distribute supplies.
For further information:
Office of International Cooperation
Tel. +377 98 98 87 89
www.cooperation-monaco.gouv.mc
Office of Education, Youth and Sport
Tel. +377 98 98 83 05
www.education.gouv.mc
The Free Rice programme is an online game, which is both fun and educational. For each correct answer, grains of rice are donated to countries in need. The Office of National Education, Youth and Sport is taking part in the game through the involvement of schools and its administration. Moreover, the Government of the Principality of Monaco will soon be donating 24,500 € to this project for 2011 (http://freerice.com).
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