FFTP’s Ed Raine Addresses United Nations on Sustainable Development and Partnerships
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (July 11, 2024) – Food For The Poor (FFTP) President/CEO Ed Raine addressed a United Nations forum in New York City on Monday and highlighted the charity’s sustainable community development efforts and its longstanding partnership with the Sovereign Order of Malta.
“It is an honor to be invited to speak at the United Nations’ High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development,” Raine said. “This is a tremendous opportunity to share the success stories of the communities we serve and to highlight the importance of sustainable development and partnerships in creating lasting change.”
The forum is an annual conference that discusses the status of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s conference focused on partnerships, one of the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals.
In his remarks, Raine said FFTP’s enduring partnership with the Sovereign Order of Malta exemplifies the collaborative spirit that is central to the United Nation’s sustainable development goal for partnerships.
FFTP has distributed over $1.9 billion in aid through the Sovereign Order of Malta, mainly food, medicine, and medical supplies, has reached vulnerable communities, directly contributing to many sustainable development goals, especially the goals for zero hunger and good health and well-being.
Raine said FFTP and the Sovereign Order of Malta have a shared commitment to leverage each other’s strengths, which sets the partnership apart.
“The Sovereign Order of Malta’s deep connections with church and business leaders enable them to identify and address the greatest needs in the communities we serve,” Raine said.
“Food For The Poor operates as a platform – uniting donors, beneficiaries, volunteers, and partner organizations in a dynamic network that fosters long-term relationships and collective action, through well-defined problems and integrated solutions,” he added. “This is the essence of sustainable development goal number 17 – a revitalized global partnership where diverse stakeholders unite in common purpose.”
As official development assistance and other development funding increasingly gravitates towards large-scale initiatives, Raine said FFTP must not overlook the pivotal role of smaller, community-based organizations.
“These are the unsung heroes providing essential services like orphanages, medical dispensaries, specialized centers for disabled children, and feeding centers,” Raine said. “Food For The Poor’s partnership with the Sovereign Order of Malta is crucial in this regard, as it is devoted to supporting these kinds of organizations. Our collaboration ensures that these vital community services receive the support they need to continue their important work.”
Earlier this year, FFTP received one of the highest honors that the Sovereign Order of Malta can bestow. The Cross pro Merito Melitensi was presented to FFTP at the Sovereign Order of Malta’s IX Conference of the Americas in Panama.
Raine, who presented at the conference, accepted the award on behalf of the charity.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with The Sovereign Order of Malta,” Raine said. “Their commitment to humanitarian aid and development aligns perfectly with our mission. By working together, we have been able to expand our reach and amplify our impact, bringing hope and opportunity to countless individuals.
Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
