United Nation’s World Food Programme wins 2020 Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO, Norway — The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) on Friday won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity around the globe.

The announcement was made in Oslo by Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chairperson of the Norwegian Nobel committee.

“With this award, we wish to turn the world’s eyes to the millions of people who face hunger and food poverty,” said Reiss-Andersen.

BREAKING NEWS:
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme (WFP).#NobelPrize #NobelPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/fjnKfXjE3E

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 9, 2020

In 2019, the WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are the victims of acute food insecurity and hunger.

Even with WFP declared winner, there was no shortage of causes or candidates on this year’s list, with 211 individuals and 107 organizations nominated ahead of the Feb. 1 deadline.

WFP is the 25th organization to have been honored with the award, which has been presented 101 times since 1901.

According to Reiss-Andersen, the prize for peace differs from other annual Nobel awards as it is awarded by the Norwegian rather than Swedish committee, as laid out in prize founder Alfred Nobel’s will.

The award comes with a 10-milion krona ($1.1 million) cash prize and a gold medal to be handed out at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 10, the anniversary of prize founder Alfred Nobel’s death.

Africa Tembelea has since learnt that this year’s ceremony will be scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic.