SUN Movement Coordinator Year-End Reflection and Looking Ahead

Dear SUN Movement Members, Colleagues and Friends,

As 2024 draws to a close we can celebrate significant progress in recognition of nutrition as a cornerstone for healthier, more productive societies. Much of this success is due to the ongoing efforts of the SUN focal points and the Movement’s networks in the 66 SUN countries that are the backbone of country-led efforts to end malnutrition in all its forms.

Throughout  2024 there has been robust advocacy recognizing malnutrition as a global priority with major socio economic implications. From Bill Gates' call to action on childhood malnutrition to the UN Pact for the Future’s commitment to “eliminating malnutrition in all forms,” and the Paris Peace Forum’s Nutrition at the Heart of a Functioning Global Order, the spotlight on nutrition continues to grow. The World Bank's Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024 now offers countries a critical roadmap for impactful, cost-effective policies and investments.

The launch of the G20 Alliance on Hunger and Poverty this year is another important driver of change, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative 2025. With major global events like the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, the renewal of WHA Nutrition Targets, UNFSS+4, the SUN Global Gathering, and COP30, we have unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration at the country level can lead to improved nutrition outcomes.

In 2024, almost 50% of child deaths are still caused by malnutrition. Despite progress on child stunting 148 million children remain stunted with long term implications for human capital development. Wasting and low birthweight remain stubbornly high - 45 million children still suffered from wasting in 2022. 30% of women suffer from anaemia. At the same time, obesity has increased dramatically. 45% of all adults are overweight or obese. 70% are in low and middle income countries highlighting that this is not a disease of wealth. 

As we navigate global challenges—shrinking donor funding, high debt levels, and the pressures of climate change and geopolitical instability—it is clear that addressing malnutrition demands a unified systems approach. The power of the SUN networks to create this is unique.

Nutrition must be firmly integrated into climate action, food systems, health, social protection and education policies. At SUN, we are actively supporting preparations for the Nutrition for Growth Summit, building on the success of the Tokyo Summit.

Success at the N4G Summit won’t be about commitments on paper. It will be about how commitments translate into tangible benefits for the mother in Bangladesh struggling to feed her child, or the adolescent girl in Kenya with iron deficiency, or for women and children fleeing violence.  Half the world’s extreme poor now live in conflict and fragile states. Accelerating  ways to reach those most in need is a priority for 2025. 

The SUN Movement’s strength lies in its diverse and passionate constituencies. Together, we will define how to close this decade aligned with the 2030 Agenda and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against malnutrition.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the movement,  partners, and stakeholders for your unwavering dedication, expertise, and collaboration. As we reflect on our achievements, I am inspired by the opportunities ahead and confident that we will continue making a meaningful impact.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and impactful 2025.

Sincerely yours,

Afshan Khan

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General 

Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement