USUN Press Release
Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice,
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
on the Appointment of Ambassador Ertharin Cousin
as Executive Director of the World Food Programme
I am very pleased that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Ambassador Ertharin Cousin as the next Executive Director of the World Food Programme. Ambassador Cousin brings extraordinary experience in the public and private sectors, intimate knowledge of the WFP and its partners, and a strong track record of success to the agency’s fight against global hunger.
I congratulate Ambassador Cousin and look forward to working closely with her to strengthen the United States’ partnership with the World Food Programme as it works to eliminate global hunger and ensure that all the world’s peoples can achieve sustainable food and nutrition security. Since its founding in 1961, the United States has contributed $23 billion for WFP’s life-saving assistance to billions around the world and remains deeply committed to supporting the organization.
The World Food Programme has made significant contributions to the fight against global hunger under the leadership of outgoing Executive Director, Josette Sheeran. The United States is grateful for her service and wishes her well in her future endeavors.