Archive for year: 2020

The report is based on the analysis of food security and nutrition concepts, outcomes, drivers and critical policy directions that are vital for meeting SDG 2 targets and the entire 2030 Agenda. The timing of this report is crucial, as the state of global food security and nutrition is alarming, with an increased number of undernourished people and the spreading of all forms of malnutrition, including overweight and obesity.

Executive summary

In an effort to present nutrition related news at the global and country level, UNSCN and the UNN Secretariats are teaming up to deliver Nutrition News providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments supported and/or coordinated by the UN system.

You can access your copy here.

The first issue for 2020 includes:

• One UN for Nutrition
• COVID-19 pandemic: The evolving impact on how people meet the food system
• UNN-REACH supports high-impact Sierra Leone National Nutrition Fair
• A Global Action Plan on Wasting
• UNRC interview series: Building a holistic approach in Costa Rica
• Nutrition in the context of urban-rural linkages
• A spirit of collaboration in Nepal
• How broader nutrition-based coordination tackles cultural taboos and empowers women in Sri Lanka
• Policy guidance for food systems transformation
• New Special Rapporteur on Right to Food
• In memory of Arne Oshaug
• Latest Publications and Nutrition Related Events

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Photo Credit: ©FAO Riccardo Gangale

23 June 2020 - 15:00-16:30 CEST

Register here

The Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) hosted by the FAO Land and Water Division invites you to its sixth webinar under the title: Water & Nutrition: from Research to Action.

Water use in agriculture is fundamental for both food security and rural livelihoods, but also supports improved nutrition through many pathways; in tandem with water uses in other sectors, notably WASH. This webinar--drawing on the work of the WASAG Working Group on Water and Nutrition--describes the important linkages between water and nutrition, and the importance of synergistic water-nutrition strategies for improved well-being and planetary health. A distinguished panel will describe the key linkages between water use and nutrition as well as the impacts from unsustainable consumption for the world’s water resources, present examples of implementation of water-sensitive nutrition interventions and develops policy actions in the water-nutrition space that are even more urgently needed as a result of Covid-19. 

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Arne Oshaug, a celebrated expert in the international nutrition community and forefather in the right to food agenda.

Arne was a strong supporter of multilateral processes in food, nutrition and health, having served for many years as a Norwegian representative to the CFS as well as chair of the bilateral partners group of the UNSCN. Arne has also been a member of the Norwegian Delegations to FAO, IFAD and WHO.
Lamentably for global nutrition, his deteriorating health prevented him from being fully active in the ongoing global debates on sustainable food systems, human rights, urban nutrition and the triple burden of malnutrition. His voice was missed as we know he would have much enriched the dialogue.

Tuesday, 16 June
10:00am - 12:00pm EDT / 16:00 - 18:00 CEST

Register here

FAO North America and CARE invite you to an interactive dialogue on the key role of women in food systems, and the urgent need to further promote women’s empowerment for improved food security and nutrition. Rising food and nutrition insecurity in the face of COVID-19 will be a defining challenge of the 21st century. Women are a key - and yet often invisible - part of our food systems. Women account for 43% of farmers in developing countries. More than 60% of employed women in sub-Saharan Africa are working in agriculture - for half the wages men make. Women are leaders, innovators, farmers, caretakers, and business owners who are key agents of change to  transform our food systems. 

Food System Dialogues provide an inclusive platform for discussions to identify joint priorities and actions to transform food systems for sustainable development. Food systems should be sustainable, and produce diets that are affordable, safe and nourish people. The outcomes of the Dialogue will be featured in a report on the Food Systems Dialogues website, and will contribute to related initiatives at the global level, such as the work of the Committee on World Food Security and the UN Food Systems Summit.

Discussions at this Food Systems Dialogue will range from access to decent work and markets, women’s leadership and control over productive resources, gender-based violence, women’s role in nutrition, indigenous women, and enabling policies and institutional environments, among others. 

Please note that this is an invitation-only event. Registration will be closed on Sunday June 14th at 6pm EDT, or when capacity is reached. To request an invitation for somebody else, please fill out this form before June 11th: https://forms.gle/H5P8tJquXFtU62en6