The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for its “efforts to combat hunger.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee also described the organization as “a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.”

WFP estimates it helps about 97 million people a year, in 88 countries.

“With this year’s award, the [Committee] wishes to turn the eyes of the world to the millions of people who suffer from or face the threat of hunger,” said Norwegian Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen.

“The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world,” said Reiss-Andersen. “In the face of the pandemic, the World Food Programme has demonstrated an impressive ability to intensify its efforts.