WFP Welcomes Appointment Of New Executive Director

Ambassador Ertharin Cousin at the November 2011 meeting of WFP's Executive Board in Rome.

(Copyright: WFP/Giulio D'Adamo)

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed the appointment of Ertharin Cousin as its new Executive Director, following confirmation by the office of the UN Secretary General that she would assume the post at the head of the world’s largest humanitarian agency later this year.

WFP Executive Director Writes To Mansabanko

Ertharin Cousin
Executive Director
World Food Programme

Having served as the United States Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture since 2009, I have watched WFP become an increasingly innovative agency. This has enabled us to not only reach more of the world’s hungry but also to cultivate an ever-growing community of supporters such as you dedicated to giving a hand up to families and communities who need us the most. The full text of the letters reads...






"Mamadou Edrisa Njie -- 

"It is a distinct honour to write to you for the first time as Executive Director of the World Food Programme. 

"I’m a firm believer that our past paves the way for our future. Growing up in Chicago, my family and I saw poverty and hunger in our own community. Despite this, my parents strongly believed that situations should not limit opportunities. Through their support and sacrifice, they made sure that my sisters and I were empowered through education.

"This is exactly what WFP is making possible for millions of families around the world through school meals programmes. What a privilege it is for me to now be at the helm of this outstanding organization -- the largest humanitarian organization in the world.