Canadian broadcaster appointed as UN Ambassador against Hunger

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed veteran broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos as its first Canadian Ambassador against Hunger on his return from a visit to Pakistan, where the agency is feeding communities as they rebuild their lives after last year’s devastating floods.

“Access to food isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. It’s not about politics or partisanship. It’s about people in need and our responsibility as humans to be there for one another,” Mr. Stroumboulopoulos told his CBC audience during the 15 March taping of the programme George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.

“I am excited to be able to talk about the great work that the World Food Programme is doing around the world to help end hunger,” he added.

Mr. Stroumboulopoulos visited WFP operations in Pakistan last month and saw the destructive effects of last year’s floods.

“George’s passion and deep humanitarian commitment, coupled with his broad public appeal, make him a powerful voice for the millions of hungry all over the world,” said Nancy E. Roman, WFP’s Director Public Policy, Communications and Private Partnerships, adding that the broadcaster’s active use of social media will be highly effective for informing and engaging people about hunger issues.

In the southern Pakistani province of Sindh, Mr. Stroumboulopoulos met mothers whose children receive highly nutritious foods through WFP child feeding programmes.

“For most of us we only see the effects of disasters through the prism of media. The effects of the floods, earthquakes and conflicts and it can all be overwhelming. But getting to be on the ground you see first hand, the people working together to provide nutritious food to those in need and the empowering of those affected to rebuild,” Mr. Stroumboulopoulos said of his trip.