The World Food Prize Foundation, based in Iowa, has announced a leadership change as it aims to broaden its international focus. Mashal Husain, the current chief operating officer, will take over as president, succeeding Terry Branstad, the former U.S. ambassador to China and Iowa governor, who is retiring.
The World Food Prize was established by Norman Borlaug, an Iowa native and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his role in the 'Green Revolution,' which significantly increased agricultural production and reduced starvation threats globally.
Husain, who has a diverse international background having lived in Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, and the Philippines, expressed her deep connection to Borlaug's work and the foundation's mission to expand efforts in Africa, Asia, and other regions.
The foundation is creating a new chief executive position to strengthen connections with international leaders in agriculture, food security, nutrition, and sustainable development as part of its global expansion strategy.
In addition to its international initiatives, the organization has been focusing on youth education programs to raise awareness about global hunger and food security issues. These efforts have reached high school students, teachers, and food experts in various states and countries.
Every spring, the World Food Prize awards a $500,000 prize to individuals who have made significant contributions to food security. This year, Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin were honored for their work in establishing a global seed vault in Norway.
The foundation's work aligns with Borlaug's emphasis on innovation and advancing transformative ideas, despite growing skepticism around science and food production. Husain emphasized that addressing world hunger is a moral imperative and a fundamental right for all individuals.
