UN World Food Programme appoints first woman Deputy Executive Director

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced the appointment of the agency's first woman Deputy Executive Director.

Announcing the appointment at the agency's headquarters in Rome, WFP Executive Director James Morris said Sheila Sisulu, currently South Africa's Ambassador to the United States, would be a strong addition to the WFP team in the fight against world hunger.

"Her passion and insight on issues related to young people will be a great asset as WFP continues to target its work on the world's most vulnerable, especially women and children," said Mr. Morris.

Ms. Sisulu was a former Consul General in New York and has had a distinguished career in education and youth development, serving as a special adviser to the South African Minister of Education. She has also held various senior positions at the South African Council of Churches and the country's Committee on Higher Education.