In March 2025, Paris hosted the fourth Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, uniting world leaders, policymakers, civil society, and private sector representatives in a concerted effort to tackle global malnutrition. This pivotal event aimed to reinvigorate political and financial commitments to nutrition, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and marking the culmination of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.
A Renewed Global Focus on Nutrition
The N4G Summit serves as a global pledging platform, convened every four years by the host country of the most recent Olympic and Paralympic Games. France, as the host of the 2024 Games, organized the 2025 Summit, emphasizing the integration of nutrition into broader development agendas, including health, agriculture, education, and climate action.
The Summit’s objectives were multifaceted:
- Aligning Policies and Resources: Integrating nutrition into various sectors to create cohesive strategies.
- Closing the Funding Gap: Addressing the $13 billion annual shortfall in nutrition funding through coordinated investments.
- Setting Bold Targets: Establishing measurable national nutrition plans and robust tracking systems to ensure accountability.
Key Themes and Cross-Cutting Issues
The Summit focused on three core areas:
- Nutrition, Health, and Social Protection: Emphasizing the role of nutrition in overall health and well-being.
- Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems: Promoting climate-smart and resilient food systems.
- Nutrition and Resilience to Crises: Enhancing the ability of communities to withstand and recover from crises.
Additionally, three cross-cutting themes were highlighted:
- Gender Equality: Addressing the unique nutritional needs and challenges faced by women and girls.
- Data, Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence: Leveraging technology and research to inform nutrition strategies.
- Financing and Accountability: Ensuring transparent and effective use of resources dedicated to nutrition.
Significant Outcomes and Commitments
The 2025 N4G Summit witnessed substantial commitments:
- Financial Pledges: Close to $28 billion was pledged towards nutrition initiatives, reflecting a strong global commitment to combating malnutrition.
- Policy Integration: Countries and organizations committed to integrating nutrition into national policies across various sectors.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Implementation of robust tracking systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability in meeting nutrition targets.
Collaborative Efforts and Innovations
The Summit fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Initiatives like the Paris Declaration on Business and Nutrition 2030 aimed to realign business incentives towards healthier food production and increased investment in nutrition-focused enterprises.
- Innovative Solutions: The “Village of Solutions” exhibition showcased innovations in food systems, featuring contributions from NGOs, civil society, the private sector, and governments.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 N4G Summit marked a significant milestone in the global fight against malnutrition. By aligning policies, securing financial commitments, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the Summit set the stage for accelerated progress towards ending malnutrition by 2030. Continued engagement and accountability will be crucial in translating these commitments into tangible outcomes, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Sources:
- https://parispeaceforum.org/n4g-paris-about-the-summit/?utm_
- https://scalingupnutrition.org/events/conference/nutrition-growth-summit?utm
- https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/development-assistance/other-major-sectors/food-security-nutrition-and-sustainable-agriculture/france-will-host-the-next-international-nutrition-for-growth-n4g-summit-in/
- https://www.gainhealth.org/nutrition-growth-n4g-summit?utm_
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