On 24 September 2024, WHO joined a coalition of Nutrition for Growth (N4G) host governments, international agencies, and global nutrition networks at ‘Together for Nutrition’ – a high-level event on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. In preparation for the Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Global Gathering in Rwanda and N4G Summit in Paris, the ‘Together for Nutrition’ initiative aims to galvanize global efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved nutrition. This initiative is anchored by a new model of collaboration featuring a ‘troika’ of N4G stewards from past (Tokyo 2021), present (Paris 2024), and future (Los Angeles 2028) hosts of the Summer Olympics.

With more than 30 speakers representing the Governments of France, Japan, the United States of America and UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, the World Bank, the Scaling up Nutrition Movement and Stronger Foundations for Nutrition, this event underscored the global malnutrition crisis and called for more holistic, gender-responsive and sustainable action for nutrition through financing and partnerships. 

Global malnutrition: A dire yet transformable challenge

Based on the latest data in the State of food security and nutrition in the world (SOFI) 2024 report, global malnutrition is at a critical juncture. Despite significant improvements since 2014 such as a rise in exclusive breastfeeding rates to 49% and declines in stunting and wasting to 22.3% and 6.8%, respectively, the state of global malnutrition remains alarming. Billions of people still lack access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food, and malnutrition is a leading cause of nearly half of all child deaths, responsible for 1 in 5 preventable deaths overall, and affecting over a billion people globally with obesity.

Women and girls bear the brunt of malnutrition, particularly in the 12 countries hardest hit by the global food and nutrition crisis where the number of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls suffering from acute malnutrition has soared by 25% since 2020, reaching 6.9 million. The urgent need for cost-effective interventions, clear metrics, realistic resource mobilization pathways, and accountability from all stakeholders is paramount to address these challenges and make significant strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG2 on zero hunger.

Together for Nutrition: A unified effort

In addition to launching the ‘troika’ of N4G stewards, the ‘Together for Nutrition’ event provided a platform to review global nutrition targets and set renewed financing opportunities as part of the new World Bank Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024. It also called for gender transformative action by advocating for girls’ and women’s rights to nutritious diets, essential services, and equal opportunities. This included the launch of Nourish Equality – a set of 11 investment briefs to achieve both gender equality and nutrition outcomes. View a full recording of the event livestream here.

As stated by Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, “This coalition marks an important milestone in our renewed commitment to tackle malnutrition, promote Essential Nutrition Actions in healthcare, and support equitable access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food. Going forward, we must capitalize on this momentum to ensure nutrition remains a top priority on the political and development agenda at global, regional, and country levels.” Read the full press release.

^{Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, delivers remarks ©UNICEF}

A catalyst for change: Looking towards the future

By convening stakeholders from multiple sectors and building strong political will for sustainable financing to tackle malnutrition, this event will serve as a catalyst for several key moments to come. This includes the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit in March 2025 and the World Health Assembly in May 2025, where a proposal will be presented on next steps towards achieving the Global Nutrition Targets. ‘Together for Nutrition’ aims to ignite a global movement, transforming commitments into action and paving the way for a healthier, well-nourished future for all.