“I am delighted by the announcement of the Nobel Committee for awarding 2020 Peace Prize to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
On behalf of the UN Timor-Leste Country Team, I am pleased to extend our deepest congratulations to the brave women and men of the World Food Programme in Timor-Leste and across the world who continued providing food assistance to the most vulnerable people in the middle of COVID-19 pandemic. It is indeed a well-deserved global accomplishment of the UN agency which serves as a lifeline for millions of people, including children impacted by conflicts and disasters.
My heartfelt felicitations to the WFP Timor-Leste Country Director Mr Dageng Liu as well as the entire team for winning the highest international recognition for their matchless contributions! In addition to providing food aid to the people in more than 90 countries, including Timor-Leste, WFP is one of the key partners in the fight against COVID-19, transporting humanitarian staff and supplies.
Such solidarity is precisely needed now to address not only the pandemic but other global tests of our time. We know that threats such as climate change and gender-based violence will make the COVID crisis even worse.
I warmly congratulate WFP global and regional leaders including Mr David Beasley, WFP Executive Director, and the international staff of the World Food Programme for spearheading the values of the United Nations every day and serving the cause as the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary this year.”