The UN Food Program’s new Global Innovation Accelerator was unveiled at the Munich Security Conference

MUNICH– The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, which leverages innovation and technology to tackle food insecurity worldwide, officially opened its new global office today. The opening was followed by the WFP Innovation Accelerator flagship pitch event, an official Munich Security Conference side event – the world’s leading forum for debating the most pressing challenges to international security.

The opening featured a powerful statement from WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, marking the occasion with a commitment to innovation as a key driver in addressing the world’s pressing challenges.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in the fight against hunger. By incubating groundbreaking innovations and strengthening strategic partnerships, we can find ways to ensure no one goes to bed hungry, even facing the most daunting circumstances. It’s crucial that WFP leads by developing solutions and teams up with our top allies to tackle these pressing challenges head-on.”

Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunities that the new office provides to further expand our innovation work, highlighting its significance as a symbol of hope in times of multiple crises. “Working with WFP colleagues across the world, we’ve been able to bring in cutting-edge startups, innovations and technologies to tackle hunger and other problems in developing countries. Our team of 79 innovators, with 35 different nationalities, 67 percent female including in leadership roles, is currently running a total of 20 programmes exploring technologies like AI and blockchain and building collaborations with world-leading partners. Our new home will allow us to scale our innovation impact further to help people across the world.”