US to Nominate American to Head UN Food Agency World Program Post

The United States plans to nominate an American candidate to lead the World Food Programme (WFP). The move follows the decision of current Executive Director Cindy McCain to step down later this year.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Washington will put forward a qualified nominee to succeed McCain.

She has led the WFP since 2023 and will remain in the role for several months to support the transition. McCain previously served as U.S. ambassador to the Rome-based UN food agencies.

The head of the WFP is appointed jointly by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

• US to nominate American candidate to lead UN World Food Programme
• Washington begins selection process after Cindy McCain steps down
• WFP leadership change comes amid global hunger crisis

The position carries a five-year term. The United States has traditionally held significant influence in the selection process, reflecting its role as the agency’s largest donor and a key player in global food security policy.

The leadership change comes at a time of sustained global hunger crisis and rising demand for humanitarian food assistance. Conflicts, climate shocks, and economic instability have increased pressure on international aid systems. The WFP operates in dozens of countries, delivering support in war zones and disaster-hit regions while managing funding gaps and access challenges.

McCain announced her departure citing health concerns. During her tenure, the agency coordinated large-scale responses to multiple food insecurity emergencies and strengthened partnerships to address long-term resilience. The WFP, a central pillar of the UN’s international aid operations, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work combating hunger.

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Washington has not yet named its nominee, but the decision will shape the future direction of the world’s largest food relief organization at a time when UN leadership transition, US nomination process, and global humanitarian response efforts are under close scrutiny.