Secretary Clinton, Christina Aguilera, and David Novak Honored at World Food Program-USA’s Annual George McGovern Leadership Award Ceremony

On October 3, the World Food Program-USA Foundation hosted its 11^th annual George McGovern Leadership Award ceremony to recognize policy makers and other leaders who have played a critical role in the fight against global hunger.

This year’s event, held at the U.S. Department of State, honored musical artist Christina Aguilera and David Novak, CEO of Yum! Brands Inc. Aguilera has served as global spokesperson for Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief effort since 2009, and is a United Nations Ambassador for the World Food Program. Novak directs the Yum! Brands Foundation and sits on the board of World Food Program-USA.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was also recognized for her dedication to improving global food security, delivered remarks at the ceremony. She commended Aguilera and Novak for their efforts to combat hunger and noted the progress the United States has made on improving global agriculture and food security since the G8 Summit in L’Aquila in 2009. Clinton was introduced by special guest Halima Saleh, an agronomist with Feed the Future implementing partner Fintrac Inc. in Tanzania.

Following the award ceremony, CNN Crossfire Executive Producer Frank Sesno moderated a panel on global food security with Aguilera, Novak, and USAID Administrator Shah.

For the past ten years, World Food Program-USA has hosted an award ceremony to recognize leaders in the fight against hunger. In 2009, the award was named after the late Senator George McGovern, in recognition of his leadership in advancing unprecedented U.S. Government efforts to address global hunger. Read more about Senator McGovern’s legacy.

Watch a video of Secretary Clinton’s remarks or read more about Christina Aguilera and David Novak’s work with the World Food Program.