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KC Concepcion joins Clinton Global Initiative

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/01/2008 8:59 AM

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Actress and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines National Ambassador Against Hunger KC Concepcion will attend the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Asia meeting on December 2-3, 2008 in Hong Kong, to promote innovative solutions to addressing hunger and malnutrition in Asia, especially among children.

"I am very excited to participate in this first CGI event in Asia on behalf of WFP, and to urge concerted action to address the challenge of hunger and under-nutrition in Asia," Concepcion said.

"I hope that the needs of Asia's children will be recognized by our leaders in government, business and civil society. We need to work together to reverse this vicious cycle of under-nutrition and secure a healthier future for the hungry poor, especially children."

With alarming hunger and malnutrition levels creating barriers to economic growth in many parts of Asia, Ms. Concepcion - a popular actor and TV personality - has strongly supported WFP's work providing solutions to hunger in Asia and around the world since her appointment as a National Ambassador in February 2008. 

Concepcion will join WFP Regional Director for Asia, Tony Banbury at the CGI Conference, in calling for nutritious food and life-saving support for children and vulnerable people, particularly those affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Since 2006, WFP's objective in the Philippines has been to support the Mindanao peace process by providing food aid to meet urgent needs, as an immediate "peace dividend" for conflict-affected communities. More than 520,000 internally displaced persons in Mindanao are currently receiving food assistance from WFP.
 
"KC's is an important voice for encouraging Asia's leaders that innovative nutritional and food interventions are critical in both emergency and development situations. Ensuring that the food provided to people in emergency, conflict and development situations is nutritious can further boost their chances of survival in facing extremely difficult situations," said Stephen Anderson, WFP's Country Director and Representative in the Philippines.
 
High-level representatives from Philippine Government, business sector and civil society are expected to participate in the CGI Asia and join in making concrete commitments to address global and regional challenges that face Asia during this time of financial turmoil.

as of 12/01/2008 10:30 PM