Washington welcomes appointment of American Lindberg as new executive director of the World Food Programme

Washington, Sept. 18 (KUNA) -- The United States welcomed on Friday the appointment of American Luke Lindberg as the new Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that "Lindberg is the right leader to continue the WFP’s approach by advancing reforms that focus the organization on its core mandate, achieve operational excellence, and strengthen relationships with donors."

The statement added that the new Executive Director "has a distinguished record in public service, a steadfast commitment to principles of accountability, and a clear understanding of the need to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in greatest need."

It noted that the United States has been the largest donor to the WFP since its establishment in 1961 and one of its strongest supporters of its activities, affirming that Lindberg’s leadership will benefit all WFP member states, including the United States.

The statement expressed the U.S. expectation to work with Lindberg in his new role to support the program’s mission of providing food to those in need.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Qu Dongyu, announced on Thursday the appointment of American Luke Lindberg as Executive Director of the World Food Programme, succeeding American Cindy McCain.

Lindberg currently serves as the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and is the principal diplomat responsible for the U.S. agricultural sector.

(END) A.M.M. / F.A.S.