Late last week, The Weeknd was officially named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme.
The title, which was also awarded to other celebs like Kate Hudson and Michael Kors, is meant to bring a spotlight to world hunger and other issues. So far, they’ve provided annual lifesaving food assistance to more than 100 million people in more than 80 countries.
“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 singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, shared about his new role. “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.”
Rich Fury/Getty Images for U.N. World Food
Food Programme executive director David Beasley said, “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. 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.”
In just the past year, The Weeknd has donated $3 million to various humanitarian causes. He also donated $1 million to the U.N. World Food Programme’s work in Ethiopia, a cause that hits close to home as his parents migrated to Canada from Ethiopia.
“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,” World Food Program USA President and CEO Barron Segar explained. “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.”
Art Daniella Sison
