Who we are
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, inequality and – most recently – the COVID-19 pandemic mean one in nine people globally is still going to bed hungry and famine looms for millions.
Powered by the passion, dedication and professionalism of almost 21,000 staff worldwide, the World Food Programme (WFP) works in over 120 countries and territories to bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures.
We work to enhance nutrition in women and children, support smallholder farmers in improving productivity and reducing losses, help countries and communities prepare for and cope with climate-related shocks, and boost human capital through school feeding programmes.
In conflict situations, we bring relief to exhausted populations and use food assistance to build pathways to peace and stability – work for which WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
We make the difference for millions
For millions of people worldwide, WFP assistance is what makes the difference between life and death. Our timely intervention at times of heightened crisis has helped pull people back from the brink of starvation. Our work to build resilience, adapt to a changing climate, promote good nutrition and improve food systems is helping lay the foundations for a more prosperous future for millions.
A member of the UN family, WFP is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 36 Member States, which provides intergovernmental support, direction and supervision of WFP’s activities. The organization is headed by an Executive Director, who is appointed jointly by the UN Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
We are working in partnership with others
Agenda 2030 clearly states that sustainable development will only be possible through effective partnerships. True to its spirit, WFP works with governments, other UN agencies, NGOs, private companies and others to mobilize resources, find innovative solutions and reach vulnerable communities with the assistance they need, when they need it.
We are committed to accountability and transparency
WFP holds itself and its staff to the highest standards of integrity and behaviour. We are committed to full transparency and accountability to the people we serve and to the donors who generously fund our operations.
We carry out objective and independent audits, as well as investigations and inspections into suspected wrongdoing, misconduct and fraud, as well as sexual exploitation or abuse.
To ensure that we are fit for purpose, and that we remain so in a constantly and rapidly changing environment, we carry out periodic independent evaluations that provide donors and partners with greater detail about the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, impact and sustainability of our work, and that help us to continue improving.
Fighting famine
WFP and the Sustainable Development Goals
