McCain Leaves WFP Leaner And Stronger; Skau Steps Up At Critical Moment

Secretary-General António Guterres paid warm tribute to Cindy McCain on Monday as she steps down as head of the World Food Programme (WFP), crediting her with transforming the agency into a more agile and effective force against global hunger.

“Under her leadership, WFP became leaner, faster, and more agile in responding to global crises,” the UN chief said.

During her tenure, WFP sustained life-saving operations reaching nearly 100 million people each year. She also strengthened accountability, advanced humanitarian diplomacy, secured new funding sources, and expanded critical partnerships, while placing staff safety and beneficiary welfare at the heart of the agency's work.

‘Steadfast commitment’ to aid the hungry

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Mr. Guterres was “grateful for her steadfast commitment to the fight against global hunger and malnutrition.”

Carl Skau, who has served as WFP's Deputy Executive Director since May 2023, has been welcomed by the Secretary-General at the helm.

With deep operational expertise and institutional knowledge, Mr. Skau is well-placed to steer the agency forward WFP as it confronts the immense challenge of acute food insecurity affecting more than 360 million people worldwide.