"If You Can Explain the Solution to Hunger, You Will Donate"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] When the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) called for donations on the premise that "2% of Elon Musk's wealth could solve the global food crisis," Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, stated, "If given evidence, I will sell Tesla stock immediately."
On the 31st of last month (local time), Musk tweeted, "If WFP can precisely explain how $6 billion (about 7 trillion KRW) can solve world hunger, I will donate," expressing this stance.
However, he added, "Instead, the public must be able to see exactly how the money is used," demanding transparent disclosure of donation expenditure and accounting information.
Musk's remarks came after David Beasley, WFP Executive Director, appealed to global billionaires in an interview with the US 'CNN' on the 26th of last month. Beasley directly mentioned the names of the world's first and second richest people, Musk and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, urging, "Step up now. $6 billion can solve world hunger."
Established in 1961 in Rome, Italy, WFP is a UN agency responsible for food aid to developing countries and impoverished populations, as well as international food security. WFP has already received billions of dollars in support from developed countries. Last year, WFP's cumulative fundraising amounted to approximately $8.4 billion (about 9.9 trillion KRW).
World Food Programme (WFP) logo. Established in 1967 in Rome, Italy, the WFP is responsible for international food assistance to the poor and food security. / Photo by Yonhap News
However, Beasley appealed, "Although last year's funds covered food support costs for 115 million people, an additional $6 billion is needed due to COVID-19, conflicts, and climate crises."
Beasley directly replied to Musk's tweet demanding transparent accounting and urged participation in donations. He said, "I can fly to you on the next plane immediately. If you don't want to listen to me, send me away." Musk did not respond to Beasley's tweet.
This is not the first time Musk has shown skepticism about donations. Unlike prominent American billionaires such as Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, and Warren Buffett, who have engaged in large-scale philanthropic activities, Musk has shown little donation activity.
In this regard, some US media outlets like CNBC have criticized Musk's stinginess, saying, "If other wealthy individuals had not donated like Musk, they would still hold high net worth rankings."
However, Musk maintains the position that "donations cannot eradicate poverty." In January, he tweeted, "I appreciate critical feedback. We need solutions that can bring real change to reality," and argued, "Donations are unlikely to produce substantial change."
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