Discover the story behind the 57th World Food Prize Laureate as Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation, reveals this year’s winner, Huub Lelieveld from The Netherlands. Hear about Lelieveld’s 40-year career, the creation of the Global Harmonization Initiative, and how he transformed global food safety and dismantled bureaucratic barriers to humanitarian aid.
From the vision of Nobel winner and founder of The World Food Prize, Norman Borlaug, Iowa is proud to recognize modern innovations nourishing billions. This discussion explores the “ripple effect” of one individual’s dedication can reverse global hunger.
The World Food Prize: 40th anniversary
The World Food Prize Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, a milestone that honors the vision of Iowa’s own Nobel Peace Prize winner, Norman Borlaug.
Founded in 1986 after the Nobel Committee declined to create a specific category for agriculture, the prize has grown into a $500,000 award that recognizes individuals who significantly increase the global supply and availability of food. Husain explains that the award is about more than just food production; it is a reaffirmation of the power of shared responsibility. “It’s about the belief in the power of one individual’s work to have a ripple effect across generations,” Husain said. To date, the foundation has honored 57 laureates from 22 different countries whose collective discoveries have nourished billions of people.
The 57th Laureate: Huub Lelieveld
This year, the foundation unveiled Huub Lelieveld of the Netherlands as its 57th recipient, honoring his transformative 40-year career dedicated to food safety. While Lelieveld initially made major strides in the private sector at Unilever, Husain noted that his transition to global humanitarian work is what truly set him apart. “I think that’s what distinguishes tremendous success from greatness, from great humanitarianism,” Husain remarked. Lelieveld’s most significant impact came through the creation of the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI), which united experts from 113 countries to align food safety regulations based on universal scientific evidence.
By dismantling bureaucratic hurdles and scientific misalignment, Lelieveld’s work ensured that life-saving aid reached vulnerable populations without being stalled by conflicting international standards. His quiet, behind-the-scenes dedication reflects the core mission of the foundation. Husain emphasized that Lelieveld’s journey was never about seeking the spotlight, stating, “This is a person who’s not driven by recognition, this is a person driven by responsibility.” Through his leadership, Lelieveld reduced foodborne illness and waste, proving that technical alignment is as vital to fighting hunger as the food itself.
Who is Huub Lelieveld?
Huub Lelieveld has been named the 2026 World Food Prize Laureate for transforming food safety science into a global catalyst for change. Over six decades of research and advocacy, he has united scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers in a shared mission to provide safe, nutritious food for all. By marshaling a movement across 113 countries, Lelieveld provided the scientific foundation for the modern regulations and international standards that now safeguard our global food supply. His lifelong commitment has not only prevented millions of cases of foodborne illness but has also dismantled trade barriers, reduced food waste, and strengthened the pillars of global food security.