Washington, DC - I am pleased to congratulate Ambassador Ertharin Cousin on her appointment to serve as the next Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program, the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.

Throughout her career, Ambassador Cousin has demonstrated a deep commitment to alleviating global hunger. As the U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, she has worked closely with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Program, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and other critical organizations. Her efforts have given vital support to some of the world's poorest people, who face severe hunger and undernutrition.

I am proud to join Secretary Clinton in supporting Ambassador Cousin as she takes on this important role. Ambassador Cousin is building upon a strong legacy of leadership and accomplishment by the current Executive Director, Josette Sheeran, whom we congratulate as she prepares for her new role at the World Economic Forum.

In partnership with the World Food Program and other agencies, the United States will continue to advance global food security through Feed the Future, President Obama's global hunger and food security initiative, which works to reduce poverty and undernutrition while recognizing the importance of food aid and other humanitarian assistance during crises to save lives and protect livelihoods.

About United States Agency for International Development

The American people, through USAID, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 50 years. USAID is leading implementation of Feed the Future, the U.S. global hunger and food security initiative. For more information about USAID's programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov. For more information about Feed the Future, please see www.feedthefuture.gov.