Mr. President,

I’m delivering this statement on behalf of the List E.

Our list approves the proposed 2019-2021 ICSP for DPRK primarily oriented at nutrition support to children and women, which builds on the previous WFP´s experience.

We note with satisfaction that the presented ICSP is declared to be implemented in tight coordination with the Government of the country. It has endorsed the SDGs and stated its commitment to achieving food security and improving the well-being of its people. All of the above is done in accordance with the country’s National philosophy of complete self-reliance.

We are supportive of WFP activities in DPRK that help the country to achieve zero hunger and prevent undernutrition, especially among nutritionally vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating women. We also support WFP work with North Korean population in becoming more resilient to natural disasters.

Taken into account frequent natural disasters, including floods and droughts that affect the country, we call WFP and its country office to foresee sufficient recourses to meet the food and nutrition needs of the vulnerable to disasters people in DPRK.

Inclusion of food for community development in cooperation with FAO, UNICEF and local ministries as well as providing support to local government in local production of fortified food to be manufactured in local factories are well appreciated.

Once again, we consider the presented document a good platform for WFP action to meet existing challenges in the country. We extend our support to the respective ICSP for DPRK.

Thank you, Mr. President.