UN agency 'World Food Programme' awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2020

New Delhi: United Nations' agency World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for its efforts to combat a surge in hunger amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has had a devastating effect on economies across the globe.

The Nobel Prize committee noted that the UN agency's work addressing hunger had also laid the foundations for peace in war-torn nations across the globe. The organization has also been lauded for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic. "In the face of the pandemic, the World Food Program has demonstrated an impressive ability to intensify its efforts," the Nobel committee pointed out.

The World Food Program, which is the largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security internationally, last year provided assistance to nearly one million people in 88 countries.

The number of people on the brink of starvation, especially those in the war-torn nations has increased dramatically this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. helping people in areas of armed conflict occupies the bulk of the organization's relief effort. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even more challenging.

The World Food Program responded to the award on Twitter, calling it a "powerful reminder" that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand."

What is the History of the World Food Program?

The World Food Program was established in 1961 after a proposal by United States President Dwight Eisenhower. The World Food Program been a major behind-the-scenes player helping people affected by some of the world's most devastating disasters, including famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s, wars in Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the 2004 Asian tsunami, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Time and again, this UN agency has come to the fore amid some of the most severe humanitarian crises.

Who won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize?

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the 2019 prize for his work restarting peace talks with neighboring Eritrea, leading to a gradual easing of tensions.

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