Closing Session of ICN2
The private sector was pleased to have the opportunity to address the closing session of ICN2. At the first such conference in 22 years, the speakers conveyed the message that nutrition cannot wait another 22 years for new activity. Emphasizing the role of multi-stakeholder engagement in kickstarting new programs to address nutritional challenges, they spoke to the need to take specific actions to tackle challenges like food safety, nutritional education and targeted interventions to address stunting.
Speakers on behalf of the private sector:
- Marie Konate, CEO, Protein Kissée Là, Cote d’Ivoire
- David Crean, Vice President Corporate R&D, Mars, USA
- Nico van Belzen, Director General, International Dairy Federation, Belgium
More than 90 businesses and private sector entities participating in Rome at ICN2. While the delegation represented a broad cross section interests, it was united in the belief that nutritional interventions must be prioritised, particularly geared to addressing the needs of women, children, and the most vulnerable. This requires progressive programming – geared to challenges like stunting – and a willingness to work together. Innovation, research, education and trade are essential to improving access to quality foods. All of which is underpinned by the essential role of agriculturalists to produce the food we eat.
On behalf of the private sector mechanism, Robynne Anderson, secretariat to the International AgriFood Network, thanked FAO, and WHO for the opportunity to have non-state actors participate, including civil society and private sector. “The Private Sector is pleased to have been part of this process, which will reinvigorate efforts to address nutrition,” noted Anderson. “Collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society is essential to affecting real and lasting change for hungry and malnourished people.”
The IAFN collaborated with the SUN Business Network and the international livestock sector for the event.
