World Humanitarian Summit: Embracing new approaches to nutrition security for long term resilience

On 24 May 2016, a World Humanitarian Summit High-Level Side Event was held to rally for sustainable food and nutrition security for all. Moderated by Al Jazeera Journalist Femi Oke, 15 influential speakers began the vital conversation to end hunger and malnutrition including Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General José Graziano da Silva, Executive Director of the World Food Programme Ertharin Cousin and Chair of the Committee on World Food Security H.E. Amira Gournass.

Speakers emphasized that it requires urgent action, leadership and new ways of thinking and working together to break down the barriers between humanitarian and development approaches. It also requires longer term financing and partnerships with the private sector, international financing institutions, and above all, societies which ultimately decides not to leave anyone behind.

We must work together, and embrace a holistic approach of nutrition security – including all elements that lead to a healthy and well-nourished life – water, health care, education, strong livelihoods and strong communities. If we focus on food and provision and production of food only, we will not be able to reach our target by 2030. Full, and holistic commitment will be necessary.” – Action Against Hunger CEO Andrea Tamburini.

Read the Press Release: Break down barriers to end world hunger by 2030 

Read a blog post by Anissa Ladyan, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Food Security and Nutrition Zero Hunger at the World Humanitarian Summit: Committing to Leave No One Behind 

Watch a recording of the event at UN TV

About the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit 

Held from 23 to 24 May 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey, the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit was a global call to action by United Nations Secretary-General. The Summit had two goals. First, to re-inspire and reinvigorate a global commitment to humanity, and in particular to uphold the dignity and safety of the millions of women, men and children who are caught up in crises. Second, to initiate a set of concrete actions aimed at enabling countries and communities to better prepare for and respond to crises, and be more resilient to shocks. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) organised the summit and brought together the humanitarian community with other actors from the development, peace-building and peacekeeping spheres to work toward a coherent approach in the way humanitarian aid is delivered.

For more information visit https://www.worldhumanitariansummit.org/ and http://sd.iisd.org/events/world-humanitarian-summit/

About the Zero Hunger Challenge

The Secretary-General’s Zero Hunger Challenge was launched in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The Zero Hunger Challenge aims to bring together all stakeholders to communicate the importance of nutrition security, as a holistic approach and nutrition and inclusive, sustainable and resilient agriculture as a key element to delivering on the promise of the 2030 Agenda, and to encourage, engage, accelerate and amplify collective action to create food systems that deliver for all people.

For more information visit www.zerohungerchallenge.org.