El Gouna, Egypt — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Egypt has partnered with Egyptian designer Karim Mokhtigian, fine jewellery brand IRAM, and actress Engy Kiwan in a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration aimed at raising awareness of food security and mobilising support for the cause.
The partners designed a piece of jewellery specifically for the initiative. It was unveiled during the opening ceremony of the El Gouna Film Festival and worn by Engy Kiwan on the red carpet. Following the festival, the piece will be auctioned to raise funds for WFP projects in Egypt that support the country’s most vulnerable communities, according to a statement distributed by the United Nations Information Centre in Cairo and obtained by a correspondent for Diplomatic.
“Food security is one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today, yet it remains out of reach for many people,” said Roud El Halabi, WFP Representative and Country Director in Egypt. “The strength of this collaboration lies in the commitment of our partners, who have chosen to use their talents, creativity and platforms to bring the conversation around this issue to audiences and spaces where WFP does not typically have a presence”.
She added: “Achieving food security for all requires a collective effort. Meaningful partnerships such as this help keep food security on the public agenda and engage people in the discussion, while also mobilising donations that will go directly to the communities we serve”.
All three partners contributed their expertise, time and resources entirely on a voluntary basis. The initiative highlights the role that artists, designers and cultural influencers can play in bringing humanitarian issues to new audiences and encouraging collective action.
“One of the greatest strengths of cinema and culture is their ability to connect people with realities beyond their own personal experiences,” said actress Engy Kiwan. “Food security may seem like a distant issue to some, but it is a daily reality for millions of people around the world. I am proud to be part of a collaboration that helps bring this issue to new audiences through one of the region’s most prominent cultural platforms. By bringing together art, design and development work, I hope we can foster greater awareness, empathy and support for an issue that lies at the heart of our shared humanity”.
Karim Mokhtigian drew inspiration for the jewellery design from the wheat ears featured in the World Food Programme’s logo. Wheat is one of the world’s most important staple crops and a longstanding symbol of food security and nutrition.
“When designing this piece, I wanted it to embody the concept of empowerment, which lies at the heart of both the design and the cause it represents,” said architect and designer Karim Mokhtigian. “Inspired by the wheat symbol in the World Food Programme’s logo, the piece reflects strength, resilience and the potential that flourishes when people have access to food, opportunities and the means to shape their own futures.”
IRAM transformed the design into a finished piece, drawing on its craftsmanship and supporting the production process.
“At IRAM, we believe jewellery should be more than an adornment; it should tell a story, carry meaning and reflect the values we believe in”, said Raafat Nassar, Chairman of IRAM Jewelry. “We are proud to support the World Food Programme’s mission through a piece that opens up a conversation about food security while also helping vulnerable communities. We are confident that the proceeds from the auction will help turn creativity into tangible impact in the lives of the vulnerable communities supported by the Programme.”
About the World Food Programme
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the effects of extreme weather events.
