WFP discusses effects of financial crisis at DIHAD conference

Mr. Belgasmi will deliver a keynote speech on April 8 addressing the challenges the humanitarian community is facing this year as the financial downturn takes its toll on the most vulnerable around the world.

He will be participating in a panel on, "Climate Change and the Global Financial & Food Crisis: How can Communities prepare and respond".

WFP Field and Emergency Support Office (FESO) is based in Dubai's International Humanitarian City, which provides logistical, procurement and other support for the UN's humanitarian arm around the world.

Dubai also serves as one of the principle hubs for the UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) Network. This WFP-managed emergency logistics facility delivers humanitarian relief items worldwide within 24 to 48 hours.

This year WFP, the world's largest humanitarian agency, aims to feed 100 million people in around 77 countries. The UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions called last December for a 'human rescue package' as it needs to raise $5.2bn to meet urgent hunger needs.