South Korea has gone from a country which used to rely on food assistance to one that now supports millions suffering from malnutrition.
The country’s Government today donated US$42.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), which previously provided funding to South Korea between 1964 to 1984.
“Korea has sought to give back to the international community for all that it has received,” explained Kim Yong-Rok, Republic of Korea Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who said the country plans to “participate more proactively in efforts by the international community to combat hunger”.
South Korea’s story shows how the world’s leading humanitarian organisation is truly transforming our world.
“This is what we dream of. A country that used to rely on WFP now stands as one of our strongest allies in saving lives – it’s an exceptional example of what we all strive for at the World Food Programme,” said David Beasley, WFP Executive Director.
The $42.5 million will be used to buy Korean rice and distributed to communities in Ethiopia, Syria, Kenya, Yemen and Uganda.