ICVA Statement on Leadership Transition at the World Food Programme

ICVA’s statement in recognition of Cindy McCain for her three-year leadership of the World Food Programme, acknowledging past achievements, along with the continued need for principled, credible, accountable, and effective governance moving forward in this transition – while underscoring the importance of reinforced and inclusive partnership with NGOs and local actors – as WFP appoints its next Executive Director.

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 “WFP’s next leadership must safeguard humanitarian principles, ensure accountability, and strengthen partnership with NGOs and local actors.” 

ICVA Network thanks Cindy McCain for her leadership of the World Food Programme during an extremely challenging period for the humanitarian community and the people we serve – marked by unprecedented needs driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, rising food insecurity, and compounding emergencies.

WFP remains a central pillar of the aid sector and is indispensable to impactful response – as millions of families globally grapple with hunger and crisis, relying on its operational reach and ability to act decisively, credibly, and effectively to deliver vital assistance.

As the organisation enters this leadership transition at a time of significant systemic reform amid acute financial constraint and political pressure, the process for appointing the next Executive Director is pivotal to maintaining legitimacy, while also upholding fairness, integrity, transparency, and institutional independence – notably given the profound responsibilities the role carries.

📄🔗 Read our full statement here for more.