ROME – The United States has served notice on the World Food Programme that it will withdraw funding for gender ideology projects and “harmful” diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes at the UN agency, saying that “WFP should not be advancing political ideologies while conducting its life-saving work.”

 In a statement delivered to the WFP Executive Board last week, officials of the U.S. embassy to the UN agencies in Rome said that “there are items in WFP’s work that we will need to see adjusted to align U.S. funding with this policy.”

  “First, on gender ideology and extremism – U.S. funds will not be used to promote gender ideology, and all references to and work to that end should cease immediately.”

 “Second, just as the United States has ended radical and wasteful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, so should WFP and all other UN agencies end any programs, initiatives, or funding that promote these harmful ideologies; instead they should focus on merit. “

 “The United States may advance other needed areas of correction or recalibration – such as regarding climate change initiatives – in the UN system’s work, but the above programs should stop now.”

 “It is right and proper for WFP to assist people who have been hard hit by weather events, just as it does with any natural disaster or conflict, and that work should continue, of course.  In short, WFP should not be advancing political ideologies while conducting its life-saving work.”

 It was not immediately clear how much the United States under the Biden administration allocated for such programmes at WFP but the impact could be considerable since the United States is the largest donor to WFP, UN sources said. Implementation of DEI at WFP headquarters in the past has included closing all men’s lavatories in one building, forcing male staffers to cross the courtyard when nature calls.

 In its statement the U.S. Embassy said that “the United States commends the World Food Program’s (WFP) commitment to providing lifesaving food assistance to the world’s most vulnerable. The United States’ relationship with the World Food Program is crucial for providing safe and accountable assistance to those in need.  And we recognize the courage and dedication of WFP staff, many of whom work in difficult situations around the globe, for their efforts. WFP’s footprint and core logistical capabilities are the backbone to respond to the world’s complex needs.”

 But the Embassy added that “it is important to highlight today that, consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, the United States has paused all U.S. foreign assistance for review.  We are in the process of a review of all foreign assistance programs to ensure that they are efficient, accountable, and consistent with U.S. foreign policy.”

 “As most of you are aware, Secretary Rubio approved a broad waiver on January 28 for humanitarian aid, which is defined as “life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance.”  And we are pleased we have been able to implement that waiver with WFP to continue to provide food assistance to those who need it.”

“However, President Trump has stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to dole out money with no return for the American people. We will protect America’s investment in any assistance with a deliberate and judicious review of how we spend foreign assistance dollars overseas, and we take our role as stewards of American taxpayer dollars very seriously.  As Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?”

 "Transparency, accountability, and sound governance at WFP remain top priorities for the United States. While much work remains to be done, we are pleased with WFP’s ongoing internal reforms, including the Global Assurance Project (GAP), which is intended to get aid in the hands of the right people, safely, in every context.  We look forward to the GAP’s continued rollout in country offices worldwide in 2025.  But, we reiterate that the GAP, too, must not advance gender ideology or DEI programs.  Our expectation is an improved environment for risk and aid diversion conversations among donors,” the American Embassy statement said.

 jp