Novo Nordisk Foundation commits USD 7.75 million to WFP for El Niño anticipatory action

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a new USD 7.75 million contribution from the Danish Novo Nordisk Foundation to scale up actions ahead of forecasted weather shocks, including the potential impact of El Niño, according to a press release. Announced on 17 September 2026 from Rome, Italy, it marks the largest ever private sector investment in WFP anticipatory action. The funding will help vulnerable communities protect lives, preserve livelihoods, and better ensure food security before a predicted crisis hits. It arrives as forecasts point to a potentially historic El Niño event. The contribution signals a shift toward preventive humanitarian financing led by private philanthropy.

Current forecasts indicate the ongoing El Niño could be among the strongest ever recorded. WFP’s own analysis projects that its effects could push 49 million people into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027. The new contribution builds on catalytic support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, which has backed WFP’s anticipatory action work since 2020. It also reflects a broader trend of Danish foundations and Nordic philanthropies increasing their support to WFP. The partnership underscores the growing role of anticipatory financing in humanitarian response.

WFP will be able to direct the new funding flexibly across 22 countries facing the highest risk of weather-related emergencies. Depending on specific forecasts and operational needs, the support may include anticipatory cash transfers to communities at risk. It will also draw on WFP’s expertise in early warning systems and predictive analytics for countries in need. Together, WFP and the Novo Nordisk Foundation will promote the FAO-WFP Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal. The appeal seeks to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries.

“Scientific innovations, including advances in data and forecasting, are creating new opportunities to act before crises escalate,” said Rikke Johannessen, Director of Global Development at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

She added that acting in advance can reduce the scale and severity of humanitarian needs where shocks can be anticipated with sufficient confidence. Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, described the contribution as “a powerful signal on how the private sector drives a new generation of humanitarian action.” She said it equips communities to withstand climate shocks before they become emergencies. Both leaders emphasized dignity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in early response.

WFP is inviting further investments to expand anticipatory cash assistance, strengthen early warning systems, and support the FAO-WFP Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal. Additional priorities include increasing the resilience of populations facing recurrent climate risks. The announcement comes ahead of the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week. It highlights the role that philanthropy, governments, the private sector, and humanitarian organizations can play in anticipating and preventing the worst impacts of crises. The initiative marks a decisive step toward preventive humanitarian action at scale.