THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD

Published purpose

October 2022 - The World Food Programme (WFP) is the United Nations’ frontline agency in the fight against hunger and is critical to Canada providing humanitarian assistance that saves lives, alleviates suffering and maintains the dignity of people affected by conflicts and natural disasters around the world. The Executive Board (EB), which governs the WFP, comprises 36 Member States, including Canada, and provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the WFP’s activities. The EB was created in 1996 and the core governance framework and processes that guide the board's work became effective in 2005, following a first governance project. Given the extent of internal and external changes since the establishment of the governance model, there is a need to undertake a governance review. This review aims to assess current WFP governance frameworks and processes to make high-level recommendations on practical adjustments. These adjustment focuses on enabling the Executive Board to provide the best possible strategic advice and support to WFP as it responds to significant and increasing global challenges, including gender equality and participation. Project activities include: (1) improving governance and functioning of the Executive Board; (2) supporting progress towards equal opportunity and voice in decision-making in governance processes; and (3) creating an enabling environment for promoting WFP’s gender equality integration in policies and programming and within the organization.