France had allocated €750 million for nutrition-related projects. These funds will be distributed through the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ food aid programs.
The world’s ongoing battle with food insecurity and malnutrition took center stage this week at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, as leaders and experts gathered to address the growing crisis. With U.S. humanitarian aid funding facing significant cuts, the summit has marked a significant turning point, as more than $27 billion was pledged on its opening day, surpassing the funding commitments made at the Tokyo summit in 2021.
In his opening address on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying, “I know the difficult time you are going through.” He highlighted the deep interconnectedness between nutrition, health, biodiversity, and the environment, stating, “Our health depends on what we eat and therefore the health of our soil, our plants, and our animals. We see how much this fight for nutrition is twinned with our fight for health, biodiversity, and the environment.”
Macron called for urgent, collective action on food security and nutrition, announcing that France had allocated €750 million for nutrition-related projects. These funds will be distributed through the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ food aid programs.
The N4G summit, which was first held in London in 2012, aims to raise global awareness about malnutrition, a persistent issue that still receives less than 1% of global development aid. The summit is held every four years, hosted by the country that will host the Olympic Games. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris provided the backdrop for this year’s summit.
2.8 Billion People affected by malnutrition
As the world faces unprecedented challenges in tackling malnutrition, it is estimated that 2.8 billion people are currently suffering from a range of nutrition-related issues. These include hunger, undernutrition, obesity, and diseases linked to processed foods that lack vital nutrients. The crisis is widespread, impacting both the Global South and North. According to the World Food Organization (FAO), the situation continues to worsen, driven by the increased consumption of processed foods and a growing gap in access to adequate nutrition.
Experts have stressed that in order to tackle this global crisis effectively, annual funding of $13 billion is required. However, unless the current funding gap is addressed, the goal of ensuring sufficient nutrition for everyone by 2030 will remain out of reach.
Investing in Nutrition: A cost-effective path to a healthier future
The economic benefits of investing in nutrition have been clearly outlined by experts. For every dollar spent on improving nutrition, up to $23 can be generated in economic returns, with the potential to create a $2.4 trillion global economic impact. However, improving global nutrition is not just about financial investments; it also requires effective planning, strategy, and implementation of solutions that can address the root causes of malnutrition.
Youth at the Forefront of Tackling Malnutrition and Climate Change
The summit also emphasized the crucial role of youth in addressing both climate change and malnutrition. With climate change negatively impacting agricultural productivity and exacerbating food insecurity, young people must take the lead in driving sustainable agriculture, raising nutrition awareness, and fostering equitable food systems. Their active engagement is essential for ensuring long-term solutions to these interconnected issues.
Sohanur Rahman, National Youth Coordinator for the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Movement and Executive Coordinator at YouthNet Global, who is attending the summit, highlighted the importance of youth leadership: “The fight against malnutrition is about giving every child the opportunity to thrive. As youth, we must lead in transforming systems for nutrition and sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more equitable world.”
As the summit comes to a close, the pledges made in Paris offer hope, but the real work is just beginning, Said Sohanur. He added, Tackling malnutrition is not just a matter of survival—it is a fight for human dignity and fundamental rights. The international community’s commitment must now be translated into tangible action to ensure that no child goes hungry by 2025, he concluded.
