Nutrition and Food Systems experts along with world leaders come together, in this week of World Food Day, for the Sixth Global Conference of the Micronutrient Forum, at the World Forum in the Hague, Netherlands. "Nutrition for Resilience" for people facing climate, conflict, covid, and soaring food prices is what’s at stake.
The world is facing unprecedented global food and nutrition crises because of soaring food prices, regional conflicts, more frequent and intense climate related disasters, and the lasting economic and societal effects of COVID-19. The near- and long-term adverse impacts of these compounding challenges threaten the health and future of vulnerable communities and are taking a particularly heavy toll on mothers and young children.
The Micronutrient Forum’s Sixth Global Conference, Nutrition for Resilience, is a watershed moment for the global nutrition community. It will bring together an estimated 3,000 experts, leaders, and advocates from diverse fields to have the vital discussions needed to align priorities and action plans, as well as prioritize investments in nutrition.
Saskia Osendarp, Executive Director of the Micronutrient Forum, said, "This conference will be the catalyst we need for robust scientific discussions and policy dialogues. We have no more time. We must foster a renewed sense of urgency to facilitate alignment between nutrition and resilience agendas across sectors and make tangible progress towards global development goals."
Nutrition and Food Systems experts along with world leaders come together, in this week of World Food Day, for the Sixth Global Conference of the Micronutrient Forum, at the World Forum in the Hague, Netherlands. © GAIN
In a complex global landscape, the conference will explore the intricate link between micronutrient status and resilience, aiming to identify specific, concrete, actions that can support the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.
We have no more time. We must foster a renewed sense of urgency to facilitate alignment between nutrition and resilience agendas across sectors and make tangible progress towards global development goals.
Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) said, "We are convening at a critical time in history when people across the world are increasingly experiencing economic, conflict and environmental shocks. We urgently need to create food systems that are more diverse in what foods are grown, where they are grown, how they are grown and, in the foods consumed. Diversity is the antidote to risk and is key to ensuring the nutrition status of vulnerable families is more resilient to the increased frequency and intensity of shocks we are witnessing today -- and which we will continue to see in the next 10 years."
Sjoukje Heimovaara, President of Wageningen University & Research said, "Fresh insights from scientists, policy makers, and practitioners are very much needed to increase resilience through healthier diets. The Micronutrient Forum helps to shape and sharpen these insights, so all involved can accelerate action."
We urgently need to create food systems that are more diverse in what foods are grown, where they are grown, how they are grown and, in the foods consumed.
The five-day extensive programme at the MNF will cover cutting-edge nutrition research, from basic micronutrient biology to programme implementation and evidence-based solutions for climate-smart agriculture. The Conference attendees will learn about integrated responses to humanitarian emergencies and effective strategies for preventing future malnutrition crises; discover ways to bolster programme resilience and scalability through social protection systems; and explore how to build resilient data systems for informed decision-making. Collaboration and new financing opportunities for nutrition and resilience-building programmes will also be key topics of focus.
Fresh insights from scientists, policy makers, and practitioners are very much needed to increase resilience through healthier diets.
Afshan Khan, Coordinator, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) said, "This is an invaluable opportunity for the SUN Movement and the governments implementing national nutrition plans to engage with academia, practitioners, civil society and business at the global level and share initiatives for improved nutrition outcomes. The Micronutrient Forum can propel further action and lead to financing for nutrition that supports both people and planet."
In keeping with the Micronutrient Forum’s commitment to global knowledge equity, this conference promises to be the most accessible yet. It will provide a robust and interactive online experience alongside the in-person programme. All plenary, sponsored and concurrent sessions will be livestreamed, ensuring people can participate from anywhere in the world.
This is an invaluable opportunity for the SUN Movement and the governments implementing national nutrition plans to engage with academia, practitioners, civil society and business at the global level and share initiatives for improved nutrition outcomes.
For media inquires:
Please contact, Ivan Simeonov at isimeonov@kenes.com. For more details and updates on the conference, please visit: https://mnforum2023.org
Addition Information:
- An exclusive invitation for media representatives: The Forum extends a warm invitation to members of the media to join us for the opening and closing plenary sessions. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into the forefront of micronutrient and nutrition resilience research, and to engage with experts and thought leaders shaping the global nutrition landscape.
Opening Plenary: "Nutrition in Crisis: Ensuring Nutrition Resilience in an Era of Complex Global Challenges"
Date: 10/16/2023 | Session Time: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM| Room: Hall King Willem Alexander
Closing Ceremony: "Road to Resilience"
Date: 10/20/2023 | Session Time: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM | Room: Hall King Willem Alexander
The conference will feature an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and presenters, including:
- Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
- Sjoukje Heimovaara, President of Wageningen University & research
- Andrew Morley, President and CEO, World Vision
- Afshan Khan, Coordinator, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement
- Abdul Baseer Khan Achakzai, Ministry of Health, Pakistan
- Saskia Osendarp, PhD: Executive Director, Micronutrient Forum
- Howdy Bouis, PhD: Chair, Board of Directors, Micronutrient Forum; Harvest Plus Founding Director, World Food Prize Laureate, 2016