The World Food Program (WFP) has honored King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as “Champion in the Battle Against Hunger” for 2008. On behalf of the King, Abdullah Zainal Alireza, Minister of Commerce and Industry, received the award from WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran, during the WFP Leaders' Dinner on Thursday night. The event on Day 2 of the World Economic Forum was attended by about 50 government leaders and CEOs. Sheeran in her speech thanked King Abdullah for supporting the WFP, citing his donation of $500 million and describing his generosity as “a beacon of hope for the poorest and most needy in the world.” Alireza said that by accepting the distinguished award King Abdullah was sending “a broad message to the world that we have to bear a shared responsibility to combat hunger, which is of urgent importance in view of the current economic crisis and its impact.” Fighting hunger “is one of the human rights priorities and a noble goal to which the King of Humanity is leading us,” Zainal said, referring to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The dignitaries in attendance spoke highly about the King's humanitarian spirit and generosity. Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, who is now head of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA); and Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Hazem Bin Mohammed Kriqtly were among the prominent speakers at the function. Saudi Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf said in a statement to Saudi TV that the King's donation of $500 million was one of the largest individual donations to the WFP and that it has helped many poor countries, especially those suffering from food shortages in Africa.
