The Weeknd has officially been named a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations’ World Food Programme. In a reception ceremony held in Los Angeles, the multi-platinum selling musician received the title with remarks from U.N. World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley and World Food Program USA President and CEO Barron Segar.
“The U.N. World Food Programme is doing urgent and important work to change and save lives on a daily basis and I feel passionately about addressing world hunger and helping people in need,” The Weeknd shared. “Our partnership is an authentic extension of all our efforts and intentions to help those in need and bring an end to so much suffering.”
The United Nations World Food Programme undertakes the battle of fighting global hunger through relief efforts and raising awareness of organizations and resources to help. The Weeknd has been vocal in the past about his support of humanitarian causes. His interest in fostering a partnership with the program heightened following the heightened instability in Ethiopia, where the singer’s parents originally immigrated from to Canada.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Weeknd to the WFP family. His compassion and commitment to helping the world’s hungriest people is truly inspirational,” said Beasley. “Every night, 811 million people go to bed hungry, and another 270 million are marching toward starvation. This is just not right and we have got to speak out and act today to save lives. We need everyone to come join our movement to end hunger – it is all hands on deck to avoid a global catastrophe.”
The Weeknd joins a growing roster of ambassadors which includes actress Kate Hudson and designer Michael Kors, among others.
“Whether he is performing or speaking out about global hunger, The Weeknd’s voice is powerful and inspiring, only matched by his dedication to helping people around the globe,” said Segar. “We are honored that he has joined our mission. He will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of humanitarians in the fight to ensure no man, woman, or child goes to bed hungry.”
Listen to the best of The Weeknd on Apple Music and Spotify.
