Behind the Frontlines: Hunger and the Confluence of Conflict & COVID-19

Join us for Behind the Frontlines: Hunger and the Confluence of Conflict & COVID-19. This engaging discussion will explore the connection between hunger and conflict, with the added threat posed by COVID-19. We’ll examine the factors at play and take a behind-the-scenes look at the U.N. World Food Programme’s sophisticated operations. You’ll hear how more than 19,000 staff feed the most vulnerable people in the most challenging conflict zones, including the Sahel, Yemen and Syria. We’ll go behind the frontlines to explore the firsthand experiences of hunger, instability and those living on the brink, and what must be done to help them. We’ll show how the world is actually facing two intersecting pandemics – COVID-19 and extreme hunger – and the challenges and opportunities forecasted for these immense challenges in 2021.

A discussion with:

- Nicholas Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times

- Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme

- Rima Fakih, Former Miss USA 2010, Ambassador, Children Cancer Center Lebanon

- Barron Segar, President and CEO, World Food Program USA

Moderated by Femi Oke

Nicholas Kristof is a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist and co-author of five best-selling books. His other awards include the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Anne Frank Award and the Fred Cuny Award for Prevention of Armed Conflict. He’s reported from six continents, traveled to more than 150 countries and is an outspoken advocate for human rights. After joining The New York Times in 1984, Kristof served as a correspondent in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo covering topics as wide-ranging as China’s Tiananmen Square democracy movement and the genocide in Darfur. He also serves on the board of Harvard University and the Association of American Rhodes Scholars.

Full bio here.

Valerie Guarnieri joined the United Nations World Food Programme in 2000 and has served as its Assistant Executive Director since 2018 where she leads program and policy development. Valerie spearheads WFP’s efforts to expand school meals and nutrition programs, empower women, build resilient food systems, support cash transfers and increase social protection. Previously, she oversaw WFP’s emergency and supply chain functions, providing supervision, strategic guidance, and support for some of its largest and most complex operations. Before WFP, Valerie worked in the U.S. Government, at the National Security Council and the US Agency for International Development.

Full bio here.

Rima Fakih understands conflict. She was forced to leave her home in Lebanon at the age of seven due to violence. She resettled in America and went on to become the first Arab and immigrant woman to be crowned Miss USA (2010). As a pageant ambassador, she championed women’s self-defense, education and health care, becoming a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation. Today, Rima is an avid philanthropist and holds the title of Ambassador of the Children Cancer Center in Lebanon, Board Member with Best Buddies International Foundation and full-time volunteer tutor with School on Wheels.

Full bio here.

Barron Segar is the President and CEO of World Food Program USA, where he brings more than 20 years of experience in growing philanthropic and cause marketing platforms. Previously, Barron served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at UNICEF USA where he oversaw strategy, budget, operations, and the Development teams’ efforts to raise $500 million in annual revenue. Prior to UNICEF USA, Barron served as the Director of Development for Georgia Public Broadcasting, where he and his team were nationally recognized for record breaking fundraising performance. Barron is also a founding and current Board Member at the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Full bio here.

Femi Oke is an award-winning international journalist, broadcaster and co-founder of "Moderate The Panel." Femi hosts “The Stream” for Al Jazeera English, is a correspondent for the documentary series "Fault Lines" and the social media contributor for NPR's "Here and Now." Femi’s reporting has been recognized by the Economic Community of West African States, the African Communications Agency and InterAction. She has worked for BBC television and radio, Sky TV, CNN and U.S. public radio. As a professional moderator, Femi has presided over world class events including European Development Days and the historic Barbershop Conference at the United Nations Headquarters.

Full bio here.