Welthungerhilfe introduces itself

Staff of Welthungerhilfe in Bonn 2008. © WHHThe beginnings

The story of our organisation began in the early Sixties when the population was profoundly moved by a hunger crisis in India. At that time, Dr. Binay Sen, the Indian Director General of the FAO, appealed for a worldwide campaign against poverty and hunger: The Freedom from Hunger Campaign. He called upon non-governmental organisations, as a new political force, to join forces and combat hunger in the north and in the south and to realise the common goal of a more just world free of hunger.

Origins of a vision

In Germany in 1962, at the initiative of the then German President, Heinrich Lübke, a committee was founded, later to be renamed "Deutsche Welthungerhilfe". For over forty years, the vision of a world without hunger has linked us with partners in the north and south – with project partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with private supporters, voluntary helpers and donors, sponsors and partners in dialogue in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. 

Successful results

Our efforts depend on this diversity of alliances, and a great deal has been achieved to date: in over 5,500 projects, since the organisation was founded, we have been able to help millions of people and secured sufficient food supplies for them and with them. 

For a better world

But at the beginning of the 21st century, one billion people are still living in abject poverty. 923 million children and adults fight for their lives every single day. This is not the world we want! But if the vision of a world without hunger is to become reality, we have to be active. Not only in the poor countries of the world, but also in our own country. This enormous task requires the support and cooperation of many partners on all levels of society.