Jim Ingram Memorial

The memorial service for Jim Ingram AO FAIIA (27 February 1928 - 15 February 2023), distinguished Australian diplomat, author, and former Executive Director of the United Nations' World Food Programme (1982-1992) will take place on 9 August 5-7pm at The Gallery, Kambri, ANU.

Speakers will include the Hon. Gareth Evans, former Australian Foreign Minister and Ms Cindy McCain, newly appointed Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

Jim Ingram's career included appointments as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Australian High Commissioner to Canada, and inaugural head of the Australian Government's Aid Agency (1975-81) where with Sir John Crawford he was instrumental in establishing the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research.

The highlight of his career was his 10-year (1982-1992) stint as head of the United Nations' World Food Programme which he reformed to enable it to become the world's largest humanitarian agency and eventually to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He documented his struggle in Bread and Stones: Leadership and the Struggle to Reform the United Nations World Food Programme which has become a textbook on international institutional reform. In retirement he served as Chair of the Crawford Fund (1996-99) and was made the inaugural Patron in 2017 and advised Australian ministers personally and as a member of advisory committees on development and humanitarian issues as well as being a keen supporter of the Australian Institute of International Affairs which made him a Fellow in 2010, and of the United Nations Association of Australia.

We hope that you will be able to join us in celebrating Jim's life, the lasting impact of his work, and his service to Australia and the international community.