Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A, Sept 29, 2016–Stop Hunger Now has named Italian statesman Enrico De Barbieri as Global Ambassador. In this role, he will help Stop Hunger Now gain international visibility and build global relationships to help Stop Hunger Now achieve its mission of ending hunger.
A native of Genoa, Italy, De Barbieri serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Africa in Genoa and is president of the Italy-South Africa Association.
As Global Ambassador for Stop Hunger Now, De Barbieri will leverage diplomatic relationships and provide access to key international business leaders, governmental agencies and policy makers.
For 25 years, De Barbieri has been involved in public and institutional relations for and on behalf of governments, public and private bodies, companies and non-profit organizations and has also organized workshops, meetings and events at the international level in the economic, diplomatic, cultural and charity sector.
“The issue of hunger is meaningful to me because I believe that all human beings on earth have the right to be fed, so that they can have the possibility of being able to study and enter the world of work, so as to create better conditions for themselves and their families,” said De Barbieri. “I think that with the means that we have available today, we will be able to end hunger in the world in a reasonably short time–but that depends on our willingness both individually and collectively to do so.”
Around the world, nearly 795 million people lack adequate food. According to the World Food Programme, one out of six children — roughly 100 million — in developing countries is underweight. One in nine people goes to bed hungry. Stop Hunger Now has engaged Global Ambassadors like De Barbieri to build awareness on the issue of hunger.
The appointment of De Barbieri and his passion for ending hunger aligns with the mission of Stop Hunger Now. With his location in Europe and connections to Africa, he is well-positioned to support the organization’s strategic goals. In May of 2017, 43rd G7 summit will be held in Sicily, Italy. The Italian government will lead the effort to encourage global leaders to prioritize food and nutrition to help end hunger.
“Enrico is eager to put his international experience and diplomatic connections to work in supporting Stop Hunger Now’s efforts to end hunger throughout the world,” said Rod Brooks, CEO of Stop Hunger Now. “We are fortunate to have developed both a friendship and organizational partnership with De Barbieri, who has strong connections in both Italy and South Africa where Stop Hunger Now has international offices.”
De Barbieri also holds these titles: Specialist member of the Italian Association of Experts on Africa; Advisor for South Africa and SADC countries of the La Spezia Chamber of Commerce; and Vice President of the Interdisciplinary Professionals Association. De Barbieri is also a mediator in corporate internationalization processes and new market development, focused on sub-Saharan countries in Africa and all new economy areas. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Portofino and a professional member of FERPI (Federazione Relazioni Pubbliche Italiana). He is a member of numerous associations and was recently nominated Honorary President of the “Genova con L’Africa Onlus.”
The Honorary Ambassador De Barbieri’s first official appearance for Stop Hunger Now was to kick off a worldwide campaign in recognition of Mandela Day in July. He hosted a gala event in Genoa, attended by local Italian dignitaries. He was presented with a letter from the Italian Royal Family, the House of Savoy.
In November, De Barbieri will travel to the United States to participate in Stop Hunger Now’s Board Retreat, and to provide strategic counsel, helping to elevate global awareness and build strategic partnerships.
About Stop Hunger Now
Stop Hunger Now works to end hunger by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and by creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources. Based in Raleigh, N.C., Stop Hunger Now operates meal packaging programs in 20 U.S. cities and in South Africa, Malaysia, India, Italy, Peru and the Philippines.
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