The new head of the United Nations World Food Programme on Wednesday said reducing conflict is the most effective way to tackle global hunger. Luke Lindberg held his first press conference since taking office earlier this week at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Conflict causes two-thirds of the acute food insecurity affecting 266 million people worldwide, Lindberg said. He described conflict as a man-made situation that can be solved.

Lindberg said El Niño weather patterns are expected to push an additional 49 million people into acute food insecurity. Global supply chain chokepoints are also worsening the problem, he said.

Instead of major announcements, Lindberg said WFP will focus on execution by protecting staff, strengthening donor partnerships and improving daily operations. More than 700 humanitarian workers have been killed over the last few years while trying to save lives, he said.

Lindberg pledged to protect WFP employees wherever they are located. He also stated plans to invest in disaster preparedness using tools such as artificial intelligence and to expand school meal programs.

Lindberg said WFP is currently focusing its operations on Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. He said the short-term goal for these areas is to ensure there are no more famines.

Regarding Gaza, Lindberg said the number of people experiencing hunger is unacceptable. He said WFP has access to deliver food in the area but is cutting back operations because of funding shortfalls.

On funding, Lindberg said the United States remains the largest funder of WFP, and the private sector is now its fifth-largest donor. He said no single nation or entity can address global hunger alone, noting the need to build deeper partnerships with other countries.

Lindberg said U.S. President Donald Trump personally called him to ask him to be the U.S. nominee for the position. Lindberg rejected characterizations that he would act as Washington’s representative at the United Nations, stating his mandate is to end hunger and that he will work as a team player.

Lindberg previously served as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He succeeds Cindy McCain, who led WFP from April 2023 to May 2026, and Carl Skau, who has served as Acting Executive Director since June.

Lindberg said his first trip as executive director will be to Sudan in a couple of weeks to thank frontline staff.