Key facts
- Luke Lindberg, a nominee of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been appointed as the next executive director of the UN's World Food Programme.
- Lindberg, a senior U.S. agricultural official, was recommended by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and FAO head Qu Dongyu.
- The World Food Programme board is expected to confirm the nomination on Friday.
- Cindy McCain stepped down from the role for health reasons.
- The WFP assists over 100 million people in 83 countries facing acute food insecurity.
Luke Lindberg, a senior U.S. agricultural official and nominee of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been appointed as the next executive director of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP). The appointment was confirmed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Qu Dongyu, head of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), following a recommendation from a hiring panel.
Lindberg succeeds Cindy McCain, who stepped down for health reasons. Her deputy, Carl Skau, had been serving as interim head. The WFP stated that approximately 266 million people worldwide are facing acute food insecurity due to conflict, extreme weather, and economic hardship, and that the agency provides assistance to over 100 million people across 83 countries.
According to a letter to the WFP board, 54 candidates applied for the position, with nine being shortlisted. The nomination was expected to be confirmed by the WFP board on Friday. The U.S. remains the WFP's largest donor, despite previous funding cuts by President Trump, and the agency has traditionally been led by an American from the Republican party.