Remarks at the launch of the joint UN program on enhancing food security, nutrition, and resilience for vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers

It is a great pleasure to join you today at the launch of the Joint UN Programme on enhancing food security, nutrition, and resilience for the most vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the French Government for its invaluable contribution through its Embassy here in Ghana. Their commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing food security in these Regions is truly commendable and has made this vital initiative possible. Today marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to address one of the most pressing challenges facing these regions—food insecurity. I am deeply honoured to be part of this initiative that seeks to improve the lives of those most affected, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, and children. Importance of Partnership in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the Upper East and Upper West regions This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration. It brings together the expertise and resources of the United Nations in Ghana, the Government of Ghana, and the French Government, which has provided the financial support for this programme since last 2023 on two separate occasions. This partnership underscores the critical role we all play in addressing complex, interconnected challenges such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and forced displacement. Together, we are stronger, and today’s launch signifies our shared commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us. Context and Significance of the Programme Northern Ghana, particularly the Upper East and Upper West regions, is severely impacted by food insecurity due to climate factors such as drought and flooding, non-affordability of nutritious foods, conflicts and security issues, soil degradation, limited infrastructure, poverty and harsh economic conditions, and post-harvest losses. This situation has worsened due to instability in the Sahel region, especially neighbouring Burkina Faso, which has forced thousands of asylum seekers to cross the border into Ghana. As of March 2023, UNHCR recorded over 15,000 asylum seekers, with projections indicating that this number could reach 28,000 by the end of 2024. This influx has placed immense pressure on already fragile host communities in Upper East and West Regions, which are grappling with limited resources and services. Nearly half of all food-insecure people in Ghana live in these regions, and the consequences for the nutritional well-being of vulnerable households are dire. Malnutrition especially stunting, and anaemia rates here are higher than national averages, especially among women and children. Our joint programme is designed to address these critical challenges head-on. By focusing on the most food-insecure populations—pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, and children —this initiative provides targeted interventions that will improve food security and nutritional outcomes while building resilience for the future. Emphasize the programme aligns with Broader Development Goals and complements existing efforts This joint programme is not an isolated initiative. It aligns with several key global and national frameworks, including Ghana’s National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework and attendant District and Sector Plans, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Global Compact on Refugees. It also seeks advance the priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025, which focuses on ensuring Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Equitable Access to Quality Social Services, and Governance, Durable Peace, and Security. These pillars are critical to ensuring sustainable development in Ghana, particularly for vulnerable communities in the north. In addition, this programme contributes to strengthening food systems in Ghana, which is one of the Six Transitions outlined at the 2023 SDG Summit as accelerated pathways to attaining the SDGs. The others are promoting social protection and decent jobs, transforming education, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, advancing energy transition, and encouraging inclusive digitization. Working through the four Engine Rooms of policy and regulatory reforms, development of pipeline of bankable projects, establishing adequate deals of financing and partnerships, and building capacity are crucial mechanisms for driving sustainable change. Highlights related UN initiatives in the North Our work here today, in addition to existing initiatives, reflects the UN's commitment to leaving no one behind, and to creating a pathway for vulnerable populations to transition from crisis to self-reliance. UN agencies in Ghana, including UNHCR and UNDP, work closely with local authorities to protect refugees and promote sustainable development. The UN Peacebuilding Fund supports peace and stability in Northern Ghana through conflict resolution, women’s empowerment, and social cohesion initiatives. IOM's projects enhance sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in the region. Supported by the Salient Fund, the UN launched the "I Pledge for Peace" campaign for peaceful elections. Additionally, the FAO-EU partnership has launched a €10 million project to combat food insecurity, benefiting over 50,000 people through sustainable agriculture initiatives Another example is the launch of the ‘Building Resilience Impact and Development through Graduate Empowerment (BRIDGE) programme by the World Food Programme (WFP), to support eight agricultural colleges, including Wa and Bolgatanga Technical Institutes, to increase the employability of their products. The programme also contributes to the implementation of Ghana’s National Food Systems Transformation pathways and commitments, especially empowering women in agriculture and youth engagement programmes. It aligns with existing and commendable initiatives like the establishment of the Women-in-Agricultural development directorate by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Women in Poultry and Livestock Association initiative, all in support of women’s contribution to the sector, as well as government’s flagship programme planting for food and jobs 2.0 As part of the Gulf of Guinea Joint Response Plan (which you have NOT explained at all), this project contributes to the broader effort to mitigate the humanitarian impact of regional instability and promote sustainable development. For security, safety and community resilience reasons, as well as to ensure peaceful co-existence, it is important that host communities in the Northern part of the country receive the necessary support to address food security challenges. The United Nations used available food security and nutrition data collected through various surveys and further conducted an initial rapid assessment of the situation of the asylum seekers and host communities in 83 communities across six border districts to assess the needs of these beneficiaries and to determine an integrated response. We believe that when communities have improved access to diverse foods, higher incomes, affordable nutritious options, and increased access to social protection, nutrition, and health services, they live amicably and are better equipped to safeguard their safety. This is the expected outcome of the programme. Briefly share programme overview and objectives This programme is multi-faceted, addressing not only the immediate food needs of the most vulnerable but also the long-term resilience of these host and vulnerable communities. The programme focuses on food security through cash assistance and nutrition education, livelihood support via sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, and health services to prevent malnutrition. Expected outcomes include enhanced community resilience, reduced malnutrition, and improved social cohesion between host communities and asylum seekers, reducing potential conflict over resources. Directly, it will benefit 10,200 people, including 2,000 asylum seekers and 8,200 members of the host communities. Indirectly, it is expected to reach up to 20,000 individuals, creating a ripple effect of improved food security and nutrition. Make a Call to Action Stressing the need for continued commitment from stakeholders For this programme to succeed, we need the full commitment of all stakeholders present today. Government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and community members must continue to work hand in hand to ensure that these interventions are effectively implemented and sustained. As we work towards achieving these goals, we must also focus on making steady progress on the core themes of the Summit of the Future. These include Strengthening Multilateralism to enhance cooperation, Future-proofing the Global Agenda to address emerging challenges, Promoting Human Rights and Equality, and Building Trust in Global Governance. These themes provide a foundation for addressing the interconnected challenges of our time, ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive future. I want to reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement. We are here to listen to the needs of the communities we serve and to respond in ways that are dignified, inclusive, and respectful of their agency. Conclude by expressing gratitude and optimism: In closing, I want to, once again, extend my deepest gratitude to the French Government for their generous support, to our UN agencies (WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM) for continued collaboration in this area and to all the partners who have played a role in making this programme possible. We stand at the beginning of a journey that will improve lives, build resilience, and create a better future for thousands of people in these vulnerable communities. Together, we are making a difference. Thank you