A passion for ending hunger: Howard G. Buffett becomes World Food Program Ambassador against Hunger NEW YORK (UN), October 29, 2007: Philanthropist and environmentalist Howard G. Buffett will be appointed today as the UN World Food Programme’s newest Ambassador Against Hunger.
“We are honoured to have Howard G. Buffett join us as Ambassador Against Hunger,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran.
“Howard has worked shoulder to shoulder with WFP staff on the frontlines of hunger throughout Africa and Asia. 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.”
Distinguished
Buffett, distinguished 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 is a champion of 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.”
“WFP provides a unique combination of experience and skills to address some of the most difficult situations in the world. My experience with WFP ranges from flying in helicopters delivering food to earthquake victims in Pakistan, to food for asset programs in Zambia" said Howard G. Buffett.
_________________________________________________________________________________
"WFP provides a unique combination of experience and skills to address some of the most difficult situations in the world" Howard G. Buffett
_________________________________________________________________________________
"From emergency relief to development assistance, WFP gives hope to many while saving lives everyday," he said.
WFP in action
Over the past 18 months, Buffett 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.
Buffett is on the board of Berkshire Hathaway, an investment holding company, and spends the majority of his time operating the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a private foundation that primarily supports humanitarian initiatives.
A photo exhibit with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at UN headquarters in New York featuring Buffett's photos on "Human Trafficking" will open today at the UN Visitors Gallery.
Commitment
WFP Ambassadors Against Hunger possess a demonstrated commitment to the global fight against hunger. Reaching out to the public and to global leaders, they use their talent and public persona to generate awareness and support for WFP.
WFP's team of Ambassadors includes sporting legends such as Paul Tergat, Kakà and Ronaldinho; Senator George McGovern and most recently, actress Drew Barrymore who was appointed last May.
World Food Programme © 2007
__________________________________________________________________________________
About Howard BuffetWarren Edward Buffett (born August 30, 1930, Omaha, Nebraska), often called the "Sage of Omaha" or the "Oracle of Omaha", is an American investor, businessperson, photographer, farmer and philanthropist.
Buffett has amassed an enormous fortune from astute investments managed through the holding company Berkshire Hathaway, of which he is the largest shareholder and CEO. With an estimated current net worth of around US$52 billion, he was ranked by Forbes as the second-richest person in the world as of September 2007, behind Bill Gates.
__________________________________________________________________________________
