The chief executive of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a response to Elon Musk's purported pledge to donate $6 billion worth of sales to help end world hunger.
The Tesla boss detailed that this would have to come with a proviso that the UN would set up a plan, and make it open to public scrutiny.
It all began when the director of the United Nations' World Food Programme, David Beasley, called out a small group of billionaires who could help solve world hunger with just a tiny fraction of their net worth.
In an interview with CNN, Beasley urged Musk and Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, to "step up now, on a one-time basis", adding that "$6 billion to help 42 million people that are literally going to die if we don't reach them. It's not complicated."
Musk then responded to a tweet, which cited that his $6 billion is just two percent of his wealth.
"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," he wrote.
As reported by the Institute for Policy Studies and Americans for Tax Fairness, the net worth of US billionaires, such as Musk and Bezos, has almost doubled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning that Beasley's ask is not unreasonable.
On November 1, Beasley responded saying that while $6 billion alone may not be able to solve world hunger, "it will prevent geopolitical instability, mass migration and save 42 million people on the brink of starvation. An unprecedented crisis and a perfect storm due to Covid/conflict/climate crises.”
Continuing to address Musk, he added, "With your help we can bring hope, build stability and change the future. 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!"
"Please publish your current & proposed spending in detail so people can see exactly where money goes. Sunlight is a wonderful thing," Musk responded.
Finally, Beasley suggested that the pair meet in person: "Instead of tweets, allow me to show you. We can meet anywhere—Earth or space—but I suggest in the field where you can see @WFP’s people, processes and yes, technology, at work. I will bring the plan, and open books."
Fingers crossed!