Show larger version of image

Close

Guided by its credo, “Saving Lives – Changing Lives,” WFP plays a central role not only in emergency food assistance but also in resilience-building programmes and transition support.

In December 2020, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its global efforts to combat hunger.

WFP provides food assistance in hunger crises and works closely with local communities in many countries to improve food security beyond immediate emergency relief. In 2026, WFP plans to support 110 million people in more than 100 countries.

Germany actively supports WFP through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office — both financially and politically, including within the framework of humanitarian diplomacy. The Federal Government supports WFP through emergency food assistance as well as projects aimed at strengthening long-term food security.

Mandate and Objectives

Founded in 1961, WFP’s mission is to eradicate global hunger (“Zero Hunger”) and improve nutrition worldwide. Its work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular attention to the impacts of climate change and the promotion of gender equality, social protection, and inclusion.

By providing food assistance to people facing acute threats and strengthening community resilience to improve long-term food security, WFP bridges emergency response and sustainable development cooperation.

The organization also invests in anticipatory humanitarian action to prevent food crises before they escalate.

In addition, WFP engages in long-term initiatives to foster economic development, support climate adaptation, and build sustainable food systems.

WFP also provides logistical support to other UN humanitarian agencies operating in crisis areas, for example through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS)..

Institutional Structure

The Executive Board is WFP’s governing body. It consists of 36 Member States elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the FAO Council. The Executive Board meets three times a year to review and approve programmes and budgets.

Germany is a founding member of WFP and currently holds a seat on the Executive Board. The Executive Director, Cindy McCain (United States of America), has led the organization since April 2023. She is appointed for a five-year term (renewable) by the UN Secretary-General and the FAO Director-General.

She is supported in all operational decisions by the Deputy Executive Director, Carl Skau (Sweden), and three Assistant Executive Directors.

Financing

WFP is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from Member States, supplemented to a lesser extent by donations from the private sector and individuals.

Following record contributions of USD 14.2 billion in 2022, WFP has since experienced a sharp decline in donor funding, falling to just over USD 6 billion in 2025.

At the same time, the number of people suffering from hunger has risen significantly in recent years.

As of February 2026

WFP Executive Director
Cindy McCain (United States of America), since April 2023

WFP
World Food Programme
Via Cesare Giulio Viola, 68
Parco dei Medici
00148 - Rome, Italy
Internet: https://www.wfp.org/