Washington, D.C. (Oct. 9, 2020) – The World Food Programme (WFP), a UN agency that delivers food assistance to millions across the world, was named the recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize today.
“Most people don’t realize that the World Food Programme is in the midst of the biggest humanitarian response in its history,” Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign, said. “COVID-19, coupled with climate change and conflict, has pushed millions of people into food insecurity.”
The World Food Programme assists up to 138 million people in more than 83 countries. WFP estimates that number could increase to 270 million before year’s end—an 82 percent increase compared to the time before the pandemic took hold. WFP has also been a key partner with the World Health Organization in fighting the pandemic, using its logistics and supply chain expertise to deliver necessary medical supplies around the world.
WFP is headed by an American, the former Congressman and Governor of South Carolina, David Beasley.
“This is another example of how American engagement makes a difference on the world stage,“ Yeo said. “And it demonstrates the invaluable role the United Nations plays globally.”
In 75 years, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, funds, programs and leaders were awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize eleven times.
“The Nobel Committee recognized in each of those instances that by working in concert, the United Nations made a profound difference in people’s lives. They also understood then as we do now, that the consequences of a failure to act in unison are untenable: more hungry people, more human suffering, and more instability worldwide.”
Yeo concluded, “Now is the time for the U.S. to redouble its commitment to multilateral agencies like WFP that are working to address the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing our planet.”
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About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign, an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UN’s ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit www.betterworldcampaign.org.
Media Contact:
info_bwc@unfoundation.org
