World Wide Wrap-Up – February 3, 2012

WFP Welcomes Appointment of New Executive Director by the World Food Programme

Ertharin Cousin was appointed the role of Executive Director in Rome last month to head the world’s largest humanitarian agency. She is currenlty the US Representative to the UN for the FAO in Rome, Italy and will assume her new role at the WFP later this year. Meet the soon-to-be Director.

Feeding the World, The 9-Billion People Question via The Economist

On February 8, 2012, The Economist is hosting more than 180 senior executives from more than 25 countries in Geneva to discuss, debate and solve critical world food issues. Join the debate on Twitter by following @Evey838 and tagging your tweets with #feedingtheworld Learn more about the conference.

Land rights for women can help ease India’s child malnutrition by Renee Giovarelli at the Guardian Poverty Matters Blog

“Despite progress on many fronts, India’s child malnutrition rate rivals that of sub-Saharan Africa. Growing evidence shows a way forward – giving women legal control of the land they farm.” This article highlights a long-held THP belief.

The Girls and Oprah Winfrey by Madhulika Gautama at the Deccan Chronicle

THP Board Member and former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women in India, Dr. Mohini Giri, met with television personality Oprah Winfrey in Vrindavan – a city of widows. Dr. Giri and her supporters provide a community for nearly 200 abandoned widows in this Indian city. Learn more about Vrindavan and Oprah’s visit.

Top 10 Trends of 2011 for Ending Hunger and Poverty by THP Executive VP, John Coonrod

2011 was a turning point for the world of international development. Environment took a leading role in discussion and the importance of gender equality finally went “main stream.” These trends and more are laid out by THP’s very own John Coonrod in this top 10 list. Read the rest of the trends.

Malaria’s Defeat, Africa’s Future by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at The Huff Post Impact

President of Liberia, past THP Africa Prize Laureate and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf tackles Africa’s “ancient plague”: malaria. Forty-one African presidents have joined together and promised to take actions to end malaria completely with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). Learn more about this life-saving initiative.

Rural Women’s Banks Ease Tough Times by Wambi Michael at Inter Press Service (IPS)

The Hunger Project-Uganda’s six women-led Rural Banks are featured in this article. Training, trust and ownership through THP’s Microfinance Program and Rural Banks have empowered hundreds of women in Uganda to start their own businesses and care for their families. Meet some of these empowered women.

With a new blueprint in hand, Ban calls for action to chart more sustainable future by the UN News Centre

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling for environmentally sustainable action by all world powers. “We need to chart a new, more sustainable course for the future, one that strengthens equality and economic growth while protecting our planet. Sustainable development offers our best chance to change course.” Read his blueprint.

World lacks enough food, fuel as population soars, says UN by Nina Chestney at Reuters Alert Net

A new UN report suggests that the world will need to create at least 50% more food, 45% more energy and 30% more food or risk throwing 3 billion people into poverty by 2030. Read the rest of the report summary.

How to mitigate climate change through agriculture: new book offers practical guide by Vanessa Meadu at CGIAR

This review of Climate Change Mitigation and Agriculture published by Routledge outlines the book’s specific, feasible descriptions of opportunities we have, as a global community, to accelerate efforts to mitigate land-based climate change. Read more.