Statement on the U.N. Food Systems Summit
En route to the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) to be held on September 23, 2021, Saskia Osendarp, Executive Director of the Micronutrient Forum, takes stock of the past year and shares her outlook on what is to come.
Micronutrients are key
Here at the Micronutrient Forum, we are proud to be part of UNFSS, a historical event bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to deliver sustainable, healthy diets to all. Working together for collective action and, of course, nutritious foods are in our DNA. We must remember that a healthy diet is full of micronutrients; these are essential vitamins and minerals that we only need in tiny amounts but have life-changing impacts. And yet, despite its importance, the world is not on track to eliminate deficiencies of vitamins and minerals.
It is not an easy road ahead
For instance, we have not seen any progress in the prevalence of anemia in women in the past decades. And we know that the COVID-19 pandemic further adds to this challenge, making nutritious foods even more out of reach for many. And yet, unlike some other nutrition challenges, we know the solutions and what to do to achieve micronutrient security. We know it is not easy, but it is within our reach. We need to work together across sectors and integrate context-specific interventions. We need to take collective action now to improve the lives of millions.
The Micronutrient Forum is pleased to contribute to efforts to bring stakeholders together in alliances: on actions to end anemia, women’s nutrition, and better data to measure progress on programs. And we collaborate with partners to ensure micronutrient-rich diets in early life can help prevent child wasting.
We can deliver nutrition by working together
We know there have been some hurdles along the way; let’s use these learnings as stepping stones in the process to come. Let us come together to celebrate this unique opportunity and momentum to create improved futures for everyone.
Register for the UNFSS here.
Related resources:
UNFSS Session on Women’s Nutrition, Empowerment and Leadership
Alliance for Anemia Actions – A Country Consultation
Healthy Mother Healthy Babies | Women Nutrition: Resilience and recovery on the road to 2030
