The World Food Programme (WFP) has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, presented by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. This award is a tremendous recognition of the WFP’s work and highlights the need for action for those facing hunger worldwide. At the award ceremony, Beret Rees-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said, “This year’s prize aims to focus global attention on the millions of people who suffer from or are at risk of hunger.” In announcing the prize, the Nobel Committee emphasized, “Until a vaccine is available, food is undoubtedly the best weapon against chaos.”
The WFP has long assisted in the world’s most vulnerable regions, such as South Sudan and Syria, and has conducted numerous airdrop operations there. Furthermore, the organization has established emergency assistance services to ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian aid during global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WFP assists in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of humanitarian assistance. In 2019, the UN agency further expanded its assistance to nearly 100 million people in 88 countries. Their support in conflict-ridden and extreme environments demonstrates their unwavering spirit. During his visit to Niger, WFP Executive Director David Beasley expressed his deep gratitude to the men and women of the “WFP family,” noting that these staff members, working tirelessly in the world’s most challenging and complex environments, such as those impacted by war, conflict, and extreme climate change, are well-deserved to receive this prestigious award.
Agriculture is not only the source of food supply in WFP’s global operations but also crucial for achieving self-sufficiency and long-term food security in many of its recipient communities. The organization not only provides emergency food assistance but also actively promotes agricultural recovery and development projects, such as fostering drought-resistant crops in Africa’s Sahel region and introducing adaptive agricultural techniques in flood-prone areas of Asia. These initiatives not only help farmers cope with the challenges of climate change but also strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of food crises. By supporting smallholder farmers, improving irrigation infrastructure, and providing high-quality seeds and agricultural training, WFP is addressing the root causes of hunger, embodying the sustainable development principle of “teaching people to fish” and further highlighting the central role of agriculture in the global food system.
At the same time, WFP’s work has received global cooperation and support. The latest data shows that in 2020, the United Nations World Food Programme received a total of nearly US$6.4 billion worth of supplies and other forms of donations. Of these donations, over one-third, or over $2.7 billion, came from the United States. The United States provided over a third of the total contributions. Although the prize money (a gold medal and $1.1 million) pales in comparison to the WFP’s needs, it is undoubtedly the highest recognition of its tireless efforts.
Dan Smith, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, also stated that the Nobel Committee’s award is not only a recognition of the WFP but also an encouragement to the spirit of international cooperation. He noted that hunger, like other global issues such as climate change and epidemics, can only be effectively addressed through global cooperation.
