Hi, this is Michelle. As food crises continue to deepen worldwide, the World Food Programme is getting ready to lose its greatest, albeit controversial, asset for attracting funds.

The United Arab Emirates' choice of an oil magnate to lead climate talks this year also continues to make waves. Plus, the World Health Organization launched an appeal for funding to cover its operations this year.

24.01.2023

On our radar

David Beasley, WFP executive director, is due to end his term in April amid growing humanitarian needs. (FAO/Giulio Napolitano)

UN food agency's fundraiser to depart. The WFP executive director, David Beasley, is due to step down in April following US President Joe Biden’s decision to not renew his mandate and put forward someone of his own choice. Beasley was supposed to end his term in 2022 but stayed for one more year to face the food market crisis at the request of UN secretary general Antonio Guterres. The former US politician, who has been at the helm of the UN agency since 2017, is known for his aggressive and brazen tactics to ask for funds. While too controversial for some observers, they have managed to fill the organisation's pockets at a time of growing humanitarian needs.

Devex (EN)

Here's what else is happening

🛢️UAE’s Cop28 climate team queried over ties to national oil company.
Politico (EN)
💰WHO: $2.54 billion needed to tackle unprecedented health needs in 2023.
UN News (EN)
🪧Protesters gather at Palais des Nations to call for release of political prisoners in Russia.
Tribune de Genève (FR)
🇷🇺Russian ex-diplomat Boris Bondarev: ‘I don’t want Putin to tell the Swiss how they should live’.
Le Temps (FR)
🧕Taliban aid edict excluding women divides foreign aid agencies.
Foreign Policy (EN)

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