The United Nations’ World Food Programme won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger. And for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee described the organization as “a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.”
The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world. In the face of the pandemic, 2020 #NobelPrize laureate the World Food Programme @WFP has demonstrated an impressive ability to intensify its efforts.#NobelPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/DnMLqFO9P4
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 9, 2020
The prize is worth 10 million Swedish crowns — about $1.1 million — and will be presented in Oslo on Dec. 10.
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger and promoting food security.
In 2019, WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries.
“This is in recognition of the work of WFP staff who put their lives on the line every day to bring food and assistance to more than 100 million hungry children, women and men across the world,” WFP said.
WFP Executive director David Beasley through his Twitter feed said, “This is an incredible recognition of the dedication of the WFP family, working to end hunger every day in 80+ countries.”
It's hard to make @WFPChief speechless, but it's how we're all feeling right now! Thank you @NobelPrize for this recognition of our work and for this incredible honour. #NobelPeacePrize https://t.co/W7tvPqOJzM
— World Food Programme (@WFP) October 9, 2020
Last year’s prize was won by Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian prime minister.
