The Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Week commenced in Paris with a strong call for bold, measurable commitments to address malnutrition globally.
The opening session on Monday at the Civil Society Pavilion brought together global leaders, civil society advocates, and youth champions, emphasizing the need for robust accountability, improved financing, and inclusive policies to drive sustainable progress.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Coordinator, Afshan Khan, highlighted the importance of concrete action. “Bold, measurable commitments with strong accountability plans are critical to achieving progress on nutrition,” she stated.
Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, reiterated France’s commitment to fighting malnutrition. “The fight against malnutrition is also a fight for human dignity. France remains steadfast in its commitment to a world free of malnutrition,” he said.
The Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit will take place in Paris on March 27-28, 2025, with the aim of mobilizing global action to tackle malnutrition in all its forms. This high-level event will bring together heads of state, international donors, civil society organizations, UN agencies, the private sector, and youth leaders to strengthen commitments and policies that address malnutrition. The summit will focus on aligning nutrition with broader development goals, including health, agriculture, education, and climate action, while addressing the significant funding gap in nutrition.
Key themes will include improving nutrition in food systems, ensuring nutrition resilience in crises, and empowering youth leadership. The summit is a critical opportunity to establish bold, measurable targets, secure financial commitments, and ensure accountability in global efforts to combat malnutrition, which costs the world trillions of dollars annually.
As the SUN Global Gathering approaches, discussions at N4G Week in Paris are expected to pave the way for stronger commitments, increased accountability, and a renewed global effort to combat malnutrition. The key takeaway from the event is clear: nutrition is not just about food—it is about human rights, resilience, and a sustainable future.
Discussions at the Civil society Pavlilion of the N4G summit emphasized that nutrition sovereignty is crucial in a post-Official Development Assistance (ODA) era, urging nations to take ownership of their nutrition strategies rather than relying solely on international aid.
The economic case for nutrition investment remains strong. Malnutrition costs the global economy 3.5 trillion dollars annually, affecting health, education, and workforce productivity. According to the World Bank, every 1 dollar invested in nutrition generates 23 dollars in economic returns, making it one of the most cost-effective investments for governments.
During a youth leaders’ discussion Tuesday’s morning, Sohanur Rahman, National Youth Coordinator for the Bangladesh SUN Civil Society Network, highlighted Bangladesh’s nutrition challenges, who is joining at the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, climate vulnerability, and the increasing risks faced by Rohingya refugees due to shrinking global aid.
Sohanur stated, “Nutrition is a universal challenge. From health and water to education, agriculture, climate change, and economic growth—nutrition is the foundation of human, social, and economic development.” Sohanur added, “In Bangladesh, I have witnessed firsthand how rising food prices, economic inequality, and climate-induced disasters such as floods push families into food insecurity, forcing children to rely on cheap, nutrient-poor diets. This exacerbates malnutrition, hinders development, and weakens resilience to future climate shocks,” Rahman said.
SUN Coordinator Afshan Khan stressed that food systems must be built on sustainable agriculture, integrating health and nutrition into national climate plans like the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). She also highlighted the potential of green jobs for youth, stating, “Green jobs create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators.”
Youth advocate Sohanur Rahman underscored the role of young people in shaping food systems. “Youth are not just the future—they are the driving force of change today. We have the power, passion, and determination to ensure that every child has access to the nutrition they deserve,” he said.
