UN partners with Tencent to end hunger

Having already worked with Chinese internet companies such as Tencent, Alibaba and Meituan-Dianping, the United Nations World Food Program welcomes other Chinese partners as it has adopted digital transformation as a top priority.

Ute Klamert, assistant executive director of the partnerships and governance department of WFP, made this assertion during an interview with China Daily at the Internet Good Summit organized by the Tencent Foundation and other charities in Guangzhou on Thursday.

Digital transformation "is an overall way of looking at how we, as an organization, are better able to reach those furthest behind in a more effective and efficient way," she said. "WFP employs a range of digital solutions, many of which are incubated through its innovation center in Munich. Drones, hydroponics, blockchain and mobile technology are helping us respond faster, more effectively and provide the best assistance to the people we serve."

Technical expertise lies with companies, and WFP needs likeminded partners to work together to end hunger, she said.

Last year WFP received support from 90 companies and foundations worldwide.

"There is enough food in the world to feed everyone. But a world with zero hunger can only be achieved through partnership," Klamert said.

For example, Tencent's "fingertip" charity helps WFP provide school meals to children in China, Nepal, Cambodia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Tencent was WFP's first private sector partner from the Chinese mainland, starting seven years ago.

"We look forward to new and innovative collaboration with Tencent to help achieve a world with zero hunger," she said.

Klamert was impressed by the motivation and engagement of the younger generation in partnerships between Chinese companies and WFP.

The World Food Program is the largest humanitarian organization fighting global hunger and providing sustainable solutions to achieve zero hunger and end malnutrition.