WASHINGTON– The United States plans to nominate a top American candidate to head the United Nations World Food Programme in the coming weeks, a State Department spokesperson announced Friday, following Cindy McCain’s decision to step down.
“The United States can confirm that it will be nominating a highly-qualified American to lead the … WFP, continuing America’s tradition of excellence and responsible stewardship of the organization. The candidate will be announced in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.
As the WFP’s largest donor, the US has long influenced its leadership. The executive director role, a five-year term, is jointly appointed by the UN Secretary-General and the Food and Agriculture Organization director.
A UN spokesperson confirmed McCain, 71, will stay on for three months, paving the way for the standard selection process.
McCain, widow of late Republican Senator John McCain, assumed the post in 2023 after serving as US ambassador to UN food and agriculture agencies. In a statement, she cited incomplete health recovery from a mild stroke in October, despite hoping to complete her term.
The transition underscores ongoing US commitment to global hunger relief amid shifting leadership.