In response to claims made by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Elon Musk has tweeted that he would donate $6 billion of his wealth if the WFP is to end world hunger.
The discussion on Twiter started after WFT director, David Beasley, told CNN's Connect the World that just a small portion of the wealth of the ultra-rich could help eliminate world hunger highlighting that such individuals have to "step up now, on a one-time basis."
He said:
"$6 billion to help 42 million people that are literally going to die if we don't reach them. It's not complicated."
Musk tweeted in response:
"If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6B will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it."
If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6B will solve world hunger, I will sell Tesla stock right now and do it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 31, 2021
In his reply, Beasley admitted that the headline cover of the article was inaccurate. He explained that although that amount of money would not end world hunger, it would help stop "geopolitical instability, mass migration, and save 42 million people on the brink of starvation". He also noted that such problems are enhanced by climate change, CoViD-19 and war.
Beasly's tweet in response to Musk's stated:
"With your help we can bring hope, build stability and change the future."
He added:
"Let's talk: It isn't as complicated as Falcon Heavy, but too much at stake to not at least have a conversation. I can be on the next flight to you. Throw me out if you don't like what you hear!"
.@elonmusk With your help we can bring hope, build stability and change the future.
— David Beasley (@WFPChief) October 31, 2021
Let’s talk: It isn’t as complicated as Falcon Heavy, but too much at stake to not at least have a conversation. I can be on the next flight to you. Throw me out if you don’t like what you hear!
However, Musk did not find that response convincing and asked Beasley to:
"Please publish your current & proposed spending in detail so people can see exactly where money goes. Sunlight is a wonderful thing."
It is important to note that the WFP has already published audit reports detailing its annual spending in each country.
UN's WFP attempta to fight and prevent world hunger by delivering food aid to countries most in need and additionally tries to strengthen the countries' infrastructure and food supply chains. It aims to eliminate world hunger by 2030.
[Based on reporting by: IFL Science]
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