Rome, Italy – The UAE was elected to the Executive Board of the World Food Program for the period 2026 – 2028. With an unprecedented escalation in global food security challenges, and the continued almost complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. And the resulting risks that could push tens of millions into acute hunger.
The UAE’s election to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme reflects its pivotal role in the global humanitarian system.
Dubai hosts the largest United Nations humanitarian logistics center, located within the vicinity of Jebel Ali Port and a center for supporting global supply chains. Allowing humanitarian aid to be redirected when sea lanes are disrupted.
The UAE also took the initiative to activate land corridors and launch an international air bridge that contributed to delivering vital supplies to more than 100 countries during the “Covid-19” pandemic.
Activate alternative corridors
In a related context, the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai continues to activate alternative land, sea and air corridors to ensure that life-saving aid reaches affected populations in Asia and Africa. Amid delays hindering the arrival of tens of thousands of tons of aid.
The UAE’s accession to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme represents a transition from the role of a major donor to that of an active strategic partner. Which embodies its vision towards a world free of hunger, and links humanitarian response with sustainable development and building more resilient food systems.
The UAE’s accession to the Executive Council comes at a very important time. The passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased due to Iran’s treacherous attacks on the countries of the region and its increasing threats to the security of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, by more than 90% since February 28, 2026.
strategic corridor
The strait is one of the global strategic corridors through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. A third of the fertilizer trade, 25% of natural gas and 20% of global oil. 70% of the world’s petrochemical needs come from the Gulf countries.
Also, 33% of global fertilizers are exported from the Gulf countries. This makes any threat to the Strait directly impact global food security.
violation of international law
Illegal attacks on civilian ships and obstruction of an international waterway constitute a clear violation of international law. The United Nations has warned that the continuation of the current situation could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger. In addition to the possibility of an additional 4 million people in the Arab world slipping into poverty.
The UAE stressed its commitment to participate in all relevant multilateral forums to confront Iran’s illegal actions. With its readiness to join any international initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and keep it open. The UAE believes that protecting freedom of navigation is a collective responsibility to ensure global economic stability and prevent crises from escalating. Ensuring that food reaches those in need before the global food security crisis worsens due to disruptions in supply chains and declining production.
The UAE also asserts that the use of sea lanes as a pressure card or a tool of economic blackmail represents economic warfare, piracy, and unacceptable behavior. It goes beyond the region’s borders to threaten the stability of the global economy and supply chains.
Clear Iranian aggression
Iran bears the full consequences of disrupting the Strait of Hormuz during its brutal terrorist attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and sisterly and friendly countries. During which it targeted civilians and infrastructure and threatened international sea lanes. This represents a flagrant violation of international law and cannot be justified or tolerated.
As a member of the Executive Board of the World Food Programme, the UAE will lead efforts to ensure food reaches those most in need. Regardless of challenges facing global supply chains or threats to food security.
In a related context, the UAE was elected for the second consecutive time on April 8, 2026, to the Executive Board of UN Women for the period 2026-2028. In a move that reflects its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls everywhere, The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, India and China, was also elected to the NGO Committee for the period 2027 – 2030.
