Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, alongside Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has announced a major commitment to provide €250 million a year over the next four years to combat the global malnutrition crisis. The funding will come from Ireland’s annual official development assistance budget.
The Tánaiste said: “Almost three million children die each year as a result of hunger and malnutrition. That is a global scandal, and one that Ireland is not prepared to look away from. At a time when conflicts are spreading, the climate crisis is worsening and the international aid system is under incredible strain, today’s announcement sends a powerful message of Ireland’s commitment to working collectively to tackle global crises.”
The pledge comes as the Nutrition for Growth Summit is held in Paris. This summit is a major event aimed at harnessing international action in the fight against hunger.
The announcement represents a significant increase in Ireland’s previously committed budget and is a further sign of Ireland’s drive to work with international partners to tackle malnutrition. At the previous Nutrition for Growth Summit, in Tokyo in 2021, Ireland pledged €800 million over five years.
Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: “Hunger has a particular resonance with Irish people given our history. Ireland is already considered a leader in global efforts to tackle hunger. Today’s announcement will strengthen that leadership. It will result in direct and life-saving support for people, particularly children, who face daily battles to get food on their plates.”
Working with trusted partners, Ireland will deliver a wide range of development projects dedicated to improving nutrition and the health of millions of people. This work will specifically target efforts to tackle child malnutrition in regions facing significant hunger and humanitarian crisis.
