UN responds to Elon Musk after he challenges it on global hunger

19 Nov, 2021 11:11

The United Nations has set out a detailed plan to spend $6.6 billion to avoid famine in 2022. The plan is a direct response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who asked the UN to describe how such a sum could save the world from hunger.

In a document posted on November 15, the head of the UN’s World Food Program (WFP), David Beasley, proposes to dedicate $3.5 billion to buy and deliver food directly as part of the plan. A further $2 billion will be allocated “for cash and food vouchers (including transaction fees) in places where markets can function,” while another $700 million will be used to manage new food programs that are “adapted to the in-country” conditions and ensure “the assistance reaches the most vulnerable.”

Another $400 million is supposed to be used for “operations management, administration and accountability,” as well as supply-chain coordination. 

“This hunger crisis is urgent, unprecedented, AND avoidable. @elonmusk, you asked for a clear plan & open books. Here it is!” Beasley said on Twitter, tagging Musk. “We’re ready to talk with you – and anyone else – who is serious about saving lives.”

Beasley’s proposal follows a back-and-forth with the Tesla CEO after the WFP director told CNN late last month that the time had arrived for ultra-wealthy figures such as Musk and Amazon head Jeff Bezos to “step up now, on a one-time basis” to help the “42 million people that are literally going to die if we don’t reach them.” 

READ MORE: Jake Paul responds to Elon Musk’s $6bn hunger pledge with own vow… but falls woefully short

Beasley said giving $6 billion, or 2% of Musk’s net worth, could help solve world hunger. 

The billionaire then responded in a tweet, suggesting: “If [the] WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6 [billion] will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it.” He added: “But it must be open-source accounting, so the public sees precisely how the money is spent.”

Beasley replied to Musk’s tweets, assuring him that systems are in place for transparency and open-source accounting.

So far, the Tesla CEO had not responded to the proposed plan. 

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