China-WFP sponsored GDI project launched in Togo

A food and nutrition aid project in Togo, co-sponsored by China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), was launched in Togo on Feb 14, 2023.

Chinese Ambassador to Togo Chao Weidong, the Togolese Minister of Security and Civil Protection Gal Yark Damehame, Minister of Social Action, Promotion of Women and Literacy Adjovi Lolonyo Apédoh-Anakoma, and the WFP's representative in Togo Aboubacar Koisha attended the launch ceremony.

Chao said that the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, and that the COVID-19 pandemic has offset years of global development achievements. The implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is suffering setbacks and a food and energy crisis is emerging. China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) under these circumstances, aiming to restore development's central role on the international agenda, combine forces and jointly address the challenges. Under the GDI framework, China worked with the WFP to launch the food and nutrition assistance project in Togo to support the country's socioeconomic development and improve the people's livelihoods.

Anakoma extended appreciation to the Chinese government and the WFP, saying that the project, which will benefit the 52,000 residents in the prairie area in Togo, is of great significance to Togo. He said that Togo attaches great importance to food security and he believes that with the help from China and the international community, Togo will be able to further relieve the food crisis and improve people's lives.

Koisha said that the present global turbulence, frequent natural disasters and the increase of living costs are posing severe challenges to the Togolese people. The China-WFP sponsored food assistance project will greatly help poor Togolese families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, said Koisha, adding that the WFP is ready to play a more positive role in relieving the food crisis in Togo.