Congratulations to the World Food Programme on being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.

Go Global By Dave Plank Oct 9, 2020

Western Union is delighted to congratulate the World Food Programme on being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.

The WFP is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.

“In a year marked by skepticism about global solutions, it is wonderful to see the WFP recognized as an agent of peace and stability,” said Western Union President and CEO Hikmet Ersek. “At a time when so many are facing food insecurity brought on by the COVID crisis, the WFP’s work is more critical than ever.”

The COVID pandemic has caused substantial disruption in agricultural production around the world. The United Nations has estimated that 132 million people are facing new food insecurity due to COVID-related production and supply-chain disruption in 2020.

Announcing the award, the Nobel Committee said it hoped to bring attention to the key role “multilateral cooperation”—among individuals, companies, nonprofits and nations—plays in “making food security an instrument of peace.”

“At Western Union, we believe that 21st century global problems—including food insecurity—require global solutions,” Ersek said. “As a global mover of money to the people and places that need it most, we know that stability is only possible when people’s basic needs, beginning with food, are met. We are proud to join the global chorus of congratulations for the World Food Programme on their award, and remain committed to doing our part to help achieve the dream of a more inclusive world.”