Healthy Food Systems: For people, planet, and prosperity
On 4 June, EACA participated in the webinar “Healthy Food Systems: For people, planet, and prosperity” organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The webinar’s topic was the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition that was proclaimed in April 2016 as part of what was decided during the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Decade of Action on Nutrition offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to strengthen joint efforts to fight hunger and prevent all forms of malnutrition in the world by increasing investments in nutrition and implementing policies and programs to improve food security and nutrition.
What is the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition?
The Decade represents an initiative, which aims at eliminating hunger and malnutrition in all its forms (malnutrition by default, micronutrient deficiency, overweight and obesity) and reduce the diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among all age groups.
Most countries suffer from more than one form of malnutrition or diet-related non-communicable diseases. Different forms of malnutrition can co-exist in the same region, collectively and/or individually.
How has the Decade of UN Action on Nutrition work program been prepared, and will it be implemented?
The Decade work program is a global program but with actions at the country level.
Within the Decade, stakeholders in relevant sectors are invited to submit programs (SMART actions) in line with the “six pillars” identified by the ICN2, specifically:
- Sustainable, resilient food systems for healthy diets.
- Aligned health systems providing universal coverage of essential nutrition actions.
- Social protection and nutrition education.
- Trade and investment for improved nutrition.
- Safe and supportive environments for nutrition at all ages.
- Strengthened governance and accountability for nutrition.