The Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) and the Joint SDG Fund have partnered to enhance food security and resilience across the Horn of Africa. This collaboration operates under the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, a coalition supported by AGFUND and more than 90 global partners, which aims to create sustainable food systems, empower communities, and strengthen long-term resilience. Working alongside UN Country Teams and under the leadership of UN Resident Coordinators, the initiative seeks to channel innovation, investment, and cross-sector collaboration to deliver large-scale, lasting improvements in food security throughout the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries.
The partnership is guided by the Ministerial Communiqué on Food Security, adopted by IGAD Member States in Addis Ababa in July 2025. It emphasizes the development of stronger regional food systems to address hunger and insecurity while tackling the twin challenges of climate change and conflict. Central to the approach is the rapid expansion of sustainable agricultural technologies and enhanced cross-border cooperation. In Cameroon, for example, a project led by the Food Systems National Convenor and coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator has received seed funding from the Joint SDG Fund and is set to scale further with support from the Global Flagship Initiative.
The partnership aims to translate commitments into tangible results, building inclusive and resilient food systems capable of providing nutritious food for all communities. In the face of intensifying droughts, conflict, and climate-related shocks, the initiative underscores the urgent need for collective action. By uniting governments, partners, and communities, the Global Flagship Initiative seeks to reshape food systems, restore resilience, and accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
All joint programmes under the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by UN agencies, funds, and programmes, with support from partners including the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Their contributions aim to foster transformative change and advance the SDGs by 2030.
