By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 12: Following Friday’s announcement of World Food Programme (WFP) as the winner of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote congratulating the latter’s “vital role in reducing hunger in the world”.
“Through its actions to address poverty, hunger and malnutrition, whether they arise due to conflict or natural disasters, the WFP is bringing help to the most vulnerable and needy. It brings peace and comfort where often there is only desperation,” wrote the Dalai Lama.
A Nobel laureate himself, the Buddhist figure said the recognition to WFP is a reminder to everyone of their responsibility in reducing the gap between the rich and poor. “As the current global health crisis reminds us, threats to the whole human family have to be addressed by us all, since we all want to be happy and free from suffering.
“Hunger and poverty can only be eliminated on the basis of international cooperation. As a firm believer in the oneness of humanity, it is my fervent hope that the award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme will inspire an intensification of efforts to ensure that nobody is left to die of hunger anywhere,” the Tibetan leader further wrote in a letter to WFP Executive Director, David Beasley.
The World Food Programme is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security. Founded in 1961, the organisation delivers food assistance in emergencies, from wars to civil conflicts, natural disasters and famines around the globe.
WFP’s Nobel peace prize honor marks the 12th time the Peace Prize has gone to the UN, one of its agencies or personalities.
