American philanthropist to join UN agency’s battle against global hunger

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the appointment of United States philanthropist and environmentalist Howard G. Buffett as the newest member of its cadre of well-known personalities known as Ambassadors against Hunger.

Mr. Buffett, a conservationist, businessman, photographer and farmer, has travelled throughout the world to document the challenges of the poor and the vulnerable with an emphasis on the environmental obstacles they face.

“He has a passion for meeting the needs of the hungry poor and for working with small farmers to break the cycle of hunger at its root,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran, citing his work with the agency in Africa and Asia.

“WFP provides a unique combination of experience and skills to address some of the most difficult situations in the world,” said Mr. Buffett, whose experience with the agency includes flying in helicopters delivering food to earthquake victims in Pakistan.

“From emergency relief to development assistance, WFP gives hope to many while saving lives everyday,” he added.

Mr. Buffett has championed sustainable farming techniques in poor countries and has authored six books on conservation, wildlife, and the human condition, including “On the Edge: Balancing Earth’s Resources.”

Over the past 18 months, he has seen WFP in action and has met those the agency assists like small-scale farmers in Zambia, refugees in Kenya, and displaced populations in northern Uganda.

In taking up his new role, Mr. Buffett joins other WFP Ambassadors such as Brazilian football star Ronaldinho and American actress Drew Barrymore who use their talent and public persona to generate awareness and support for the agency.

A photo exhibit with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, featuring Mr. Buffett’s photos on human trafficking, will open today at UN Headquarters in New York.