GovernPaper en WEB

EN Discussion Paper
Global Governance for Nutrition

and the role of UNSCN
UNSCN March 2017
United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition

All rights reserved. UNSCN encourages the use and dissemination of content in this product. Reproduction and
dissemination thereof for educational or other non-commercial uses are authorized provided that appropriate
acknowledgement of UNSCN as the source is given and that UNSCN’s endorsement of users’ views, products or
services is not implied in any way.
All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be
addressed to the UNSCN secretariat at [email protected].
EN Discussion Paper
Global Governance for Nutrition

and the role of UNSCN
UNSCN March 2017

Acknowledgements
Prepared by Professor Sharon Friel, School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), Australian National
University, with assistance from Dr Phillip Baker and Dr Janice Lee, School of Regulation and Global Governance
(RegNet), Australian National University; Dr Nicholas Nisbett, Institute of Development Studies; Dr Kent Buse,
UNAIDs, and Ms Stineke Oenema, United Nations Systems Standing Committee on Nutrition. Thanks also to Ms
Janice Meerman for the editing.
The paper is available on the UNSCN website at www.unscn.org.

Global Governance for Nutrition and the role of UNSCN
Table of contents
Background 3
Aims and objectives 4
Definitions 4
1. The malnutrition challenge 6
1.1. The state of malnutrition 6
1.2. The causes of malnutrition in all its forms 7
1.3. Political impetus for action 9
2. Key actors in global nutrition 11
2.1. Who is involved 11
2.2. Who is doing what and how: the mandates and activities of different actors 13
3. Three nutrition governance challenges 18
3.1. Crossing sectors 18
3.2. Whose responsibility 19
3.3. Accountability 19
4. Going forward for UNSCN 20
4.1. Role 1: Enhance coherence 21
4.2. Role 2: Stewardship 22
4.3. Role 3: Evidence and accountability 24
Conclusion 26
Appendix 1. Research methods 27

Data collection 27
Presentation of data 28
Method limitations 28
Appendix 2. A list of actors involved in global nutrition, their nutrition focus and role 29
References 53
List of abbreviations 57
Background
The United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN) was established in 1977 by the Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) to advance the UN’s interagency work on nutrition. The
specific remit then, as now, was to focus on the direction, scale, coherence and impact of the UN System response
to global nutrition problems1. UNSCN functions, as described in its 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, are listed in Box 1.
Box 1. UNSCN functions, 2016-20201
• To provide global strategic guidance and advocacy in nutrition to ensure engagement and investment at
the highest level and to ensure progress towards nutrition security for all;
• To enhance dialogue and linkages, fostering joint nutrition action, partnerships and mutual accountability
between UN agencies;
• To harmonize concepts, including methodologies and guidelines, policies and strategies in response to
the nutritional needs of countries;
• To facilitate knowledge exchange of practices, tools and needs, enhancing coherence of the global
nutrition public goods agenda and identifying emerging issues;
• To communicate on global trends, progress and results and to enhance global advocacy through
networks and platforms;
• To engage in and facilitate dialogue with stakeholders across health, food security, water and sanitation
and social protection constituencies for strengthening nutrition action and mainstreaming nutrition into
development policies.
In the forty years since UNSCN’s inception, food and nutrition challenges have changed significantly, with
malnutrition constituting a key link between global health, social equity and environmental sustainability agendas.
At the global level, the concern for nutrition and the recognized connections between health, food and the
environment, brings together many parts of the UN system and beyond, across different policy areas.
Consequently, there is now a greater diversity and volume of actors involved, who directly and indirectly influence
people’s nutritional status, including government, industry, philanthropy, the media, and family. There are also
other newer forms of change agents in this landscape e.g. consumer alliances and the rise of celebrity chefs hold
promise in shifting cultural and social norms2. This evolving diversity of actors is to be embraced. If their focus,
expertise and reach can be strategically harnessed, there are opportunities to achieve the sort of transformative
systemic change that is needed to address all forms of malnutrition across all communities globally.
3
Discussion Paper
Aims and objectives
Given the evolving nutrition landscape and the many direct and in-direct nutrition-related agendas that are
being pursued by a variety of state and non-state actors at the international, national and sub-national levels, it
is timely that, as the ‘strategic nerve centre of the UN’ and the UN committee tasked with setting the direction,
scale, coherence and impact of the UN system response to the nutrition problems globally, the UNSCN assesses
the state of play in the global nutrition landscape and the governance arrangements therein.
This report comprises the stock-taking’s primary deliverable, and aims to a) describe the public and private actors
as well as the networks of actors who impact nutrition agendas globally, and b) to provide recommendations
regarding the role of UNSCN within a global governance system, with an emphasis on UN system actors.
The specific objectives of the paper are to:
1. Show who is out there: Create a matrix of global nutrition actors and networks, mapping each one according
to organizational type.
2. Show who is doing what and how: Outline the mandate and associated activities of these actors [e.g.
convening; agenda setting; policy development; technical; monitoring/accountability].
3. Illustrate governance challenges: Describe main nutrition governance challenges.
4. Provide recommendations: Make recommendations regarding the role of UNSCN within the current global
nutrition landscape, building on its Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) mandate and its UN focus.
Definitions
In this paper “global nutrition governance” is defined as the network of actors whose primary, designated
function is to improve nutrition outcomes through processes and mechanisms for convening, agenda setting,
decision making (including norm-setting), implementation and accountability.
“Governance for nutrition”, on the other hand, is defined as the process by which impact on nutrition by non-
nutrition policies – e.g. policies in education, employment, health, environment and trade – is leveraged or
mitigated. Since actors in these policy areas influence nutrition, even though that is not their primary intent,
global nutrition governance actors must learn to exert influence in these other areas.
Actors are defined as entities that influence events within the global nutrition system by impacting nutrition
unintentionally or via an explicit nutrition mandate. Actors may be individual organizations or consortia that
together form a platform to influence or coordinate action. In this report, actors have been grouped into the
following categories:
4
• UN system (including UN organizations, their subsidiary bodies, funds and programmes, commissions,
specialized agencies, departments and offices, and platforms)
• Civil society and non-government organizations (NGOs)
• Multilateral development banks and financial organizations
• National government / plurilateral organizations
• Philanthropic organizations
• Public-private partnerships / multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Private industries
• Research institutes, networks and associations
5
Discussion Paper
1. The malnutrition challenge

1.1. The state of malnutrition
While progress is being made on some undernutrition and hunger indicators, improvements are uneven between
countries and among population groups, especially for children, people living in poverty and in crisis situations 3.
Inadequate intake of nutritious food is one of the proximate causes of undernutrition, resulting in stunting,
wasting, and physiological stress, with marked changes in autonomic nervous system function, abnormal blood
cortisol concentrations, and weakened response to infection 4. Undernutrition usually includes deficiencies
in multiple micronutrients implicated in impaired immunity, physical growth, cognitive function, and in poor
reproductive outcomes5-8. Taken together, these effects make undernutrition a significant health threat. The
physiological stress and adverse impact of inadequate food and nutrient intake over time can cause the body
to deteriorate, affecting the function and recovery of every organ system 9, and eventually resulting in death.
The burden of undernutrition is unevenly distributed, with those in low-income countries, pregnant women and
children being most affected. The consequences of not having enough food and nutrients in utero, infancy, and/
or childhood can affect cognitive and mental development, and has been linked to poor school performance
and behaviour abnormalities4,10,11. In adulthood, undernutrition has been associated with increased absenteeism
and reduced productivity in jobs requiring manual labour4, reduced quality of life and impeded economic
growth. Additionally, undernutrition is associated with reduced health and welfare of multiple generations.
Undernourished women are more likely to give birth to infants with low birth weight, and low birth weight has
been associated with increased susceptibility to chronic disease10.
At the same time, there are increasing numbers of people around the world consuming too many calories and too
few micronutrients. In industrialized countries, transition to diets higher in fats, sweeteners and highly-processed
foods has been happening for decades. More recent analysis shows that this nutrition transition is now also taking
place at an accelerated rate in middle- and low-income countries12 and, globally, shows marked socio-economic
variation between population groups3. Diets containing excessive amounts of these foods are associated with
increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis,
insulin resistance, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental decay, gall bladder disease, and some
cancers13,14. These nutrition-related chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, with
the burden increasing most quickly in low-income countries15. Without high levels of physical activity, energy-
dense diets can result in obesity, which is associated with higher risk of morbidity and premature mortality from
hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, asthma, sleep
apnoea, depression and other mental health disorders, and some cancers16,17.
6
1.2. The causes of malnutrition in all its forms
Suffice to say that transformative improvements are needed. Amartya Sen’s notion of having the freedom to lead a
life we have reason to value18 can be applied in the context of good nutrition, and the right to food and health. As the
evidence above demonstrates, nutrition and health status are not equitable across socio-economic strata or indeed
across entire nations; not all people have such freedoms.
The goal of good nutrition for all requires redressing this unequal distribution of resources. Having the freedom
to live healthy and flourishing lives is synonymous with empowerment – material, psychosocial and political - of
individuals, communities and nations. People need the basic material requisites for a decent life. They need to have
control over their lives and they need a voice to be able to engage and participate in decision-making processes and
implementation.
Behind empowerment and the right to food and health are the determinants of malnutrition – the fundamental political,
economic, environmental and cultural characteristics of contemporary human societies, and their interactions with
one another. That is, the empowerment of all social groups to achieve good nutrition is influenced by conditions of
everyday life in which people are born, live, learn, work, eat and age. These daily living conditions are shaped by the
underlying norms, values, policies (e.g. economic, social, health and food), institutions and processes that govern
society at local, national and global levels, and which systematically distribute the determinants of malnutrition19.
The combination of structural factors and daily living conditions (indicated as enabling and underlying processes
and outcomes in Figure 1) are the determinants of nutrition and health20. In many countries, adults and children
living in households that are at or below poverty line, with less education and inadequate access to quality health
care and social protection, and/or who experience insecure working conditions, are much more likely to experience
malnutrition and have higher levels of diet-related diseases; the same is true for those in crisis situations21,22.
Research and policy in recent decades has focused on issues that affect households’ access to food, child feeding
and care practices23. The findings have shown that safe access to water, sanitation, women’s education, gender
equality, and the quantity and quality of food available in countries have been key drivers of stunting reduction24.
Research has highlighted the importance of intergenerational factors shaped by a mother’s nutritional status; the
importance of the first ‘1000 days’ of pregnancy and early childhood for shaping health and development throughout
the lifecourse11. Maternal health and infant feeding together are greatly influenced by access to health systems,
particularly the provision of suitable care and advice directly within the community and access to safe birthing in
medical facilities. The sanitation environment is critically important in ensuring that immune status and dietary
absorption are not impeded by infection, disease and other chronic gut problems.
Research and policy are also increasingly focused on food systems – from production, manufacturing, retail,
marketing through to consumption - as important contributors to malnutrition, through their influence on the amount
of food available for consumption, its safety, nutritional quality and price, physical access to food, and acceptability
of different foods in local environments. Food systems have critically important impacts on optimal infant feeding
practices, as they influence the extent to which early and exclusive breastfeeding is practiced and supported and
eventually supplemented via timely introduction of suitable complementary foods. Highly industrial, transnational
food value chains supplied by vertically integrated commodity producers, processors, supermarket chains and food
service firms are now the most dominant food system paradigm globally. These systems have been enabled by 1)
opening of domestic markets for international food trade and foreign direct investment, 2) subsequent entry and
7
Discussion Paper
growth of transnational food companies in the global market, and 3) aggressive advertising by these transnationals
worldwide25. These changes have meant growing corporate concentration with control over food production shifting
increasingly to transnational agri-food and retail companies. Taken together, these trends have disempowered local
producers, consumers and in some instances, policy-makers19,26-28. These changes have also affected national food
environments, with highly processed, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods becoming more readily available, affordable,
and acceptable relative to whole, nutrient dense foods. The resulting shifts in food practices, infant feeding and
dietary consumption patterns and nutritional status have contributed to the rise of NCDs and the persistence of
micronutrient deficiencies29. Paradoxically, while more globally connected than ever before, a number of countries
still have relatively low market integration and limited access to nutrient dense, safe and affordable foods.
While not captured in Figure 1, the links between the natural environment and malnutrition challenges
are increasingly recognized30-33. As mentioned above, human-induced climate change and other forms of
environmental degradation are already affecting the functioning of the global food system, contributing to
impaired quantity, quality and affordability of food in many countries but particularly countries in the tropics
and sub-tropics, who are already those experiencing high levels of food insecurity34-36. As the temperature of
the planet rises there will be more climate impacts including extreme rain and flooding events, landslides,
and water scarcity, each posing risks for people, assets, economies and ecosystems 37. These cause hunger,
starvation, displacement and misery; farming jobs are lost and suicide rates can increase, notably for
farmers36,38,39.
As awareness grows regarding these systems’ negative effects, alternative national and localized food supply
chains - producer co-ops, community supported agriculture, artisanal farms - as well as civic agriculture
production systems based on household and community gardens are gaining momentum40.
8
Figure 1.
Conceptual pathways to improved nutrition status41
Prevention of infection, Realization of full potential, e.g.,

noncommunicable disease, cognitive outcomes, labor Development
increased mortality productivity, pregnancy outcomes outcomes
Positive nutrition outcomes: Prevention of Nutrition

undernutrition, overweight, obesity, high blood status
pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol
Health behavior (e.g., Biological factors

Immediate
diet, hygiene, physical (e.g., disease status,
processes
activity) genetics)
Food environment (e.g., Social environment Health environment

Living environment
affordability and access to (e.g., norms on infant and (e.g., access to Underlying
(e.g., built space, water
foods that promote young child feeding, hygiene, preventative and curative outcomes
and sanitation services)
nutrition) education, work conditions) services)
Underlying
Income and inequality, trade, urbanization, globalization, food systems, social protection, health systems, processes
agricultural development, women’s empowerment
Enabling environment for nutrition improvement

Political commitment and policy space for action; demand and pressure for Enabling
action; governance for engagement across government and different sectors; processes
capacity to implement
1.3. Political impetus for action
Today, these global food and nutrition challenges are on the world policy stage. At the 2012 World Health
Assembly, Member States endorsed the Global Nutrition Targets 2025 for improving maternal, infant and young
child nutrition, and committed to monitoring progress. The Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2),
an inter-governmental meeting on nutrition jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and
the World Health Organization (WHO) took place in November 2014. As was discussed at the ICN2, addressing
these issues requires intersectoral action42,43. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development launched
seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 2 aims explicitly to end hunger and all forms of
malnutrition by 2030, however the intersectoral nature of the determinants of malnutrition means that many, if
not most, of the SDGs have implications for nutrition (e.g. poverty, promotion of healthy lives, education, gender
equality, water and sanitation, economic growth and working conditions). This is borne out by a Global Nutrition
9
Discussion Paper
Report (GNR) analysis of the 242 indicators proposed for all 17 goals, in which 56 indicators with relevance for
nutrition are identified41. The political desire and urgency for global action on nutrition was highlighted when
the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in April 2016 agreed on a resolution proclaiming the UN Decade of Action
on Nutrition44 from 2016 to 2025. By agreeing to the resolution, governments endorsed the Rome Declaration
on Nutrition and Framework for Action adopted by ICN2 in November 2014. In so doing, UN agencies and
governments committed to reducing undernourishment, stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight in
children under five years of age, as well as to reducing micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity, and
diet-related NCDs in all age groups.
There is a great opportunity to capitalize on this political desire to address global malnutrition by involving
the wide range of stakeholders described above. More is known now than ever before about the multiple
determinants of malnutrition. Inclusive governance and careful stewardship is needed to operationalize the
necessary transformative action at global, national and local levels.
10
2. Key actors in global nutrition

This section of the report identifies and maps the range of actors who impact nutrition at global level. It also includes
a description of the mandate and associated activities of different actors. The analysis is based on actors identified
through a literature and web search, beginning with the UNSCN website and associated literature, and snowballing
outwards (see Appendix 1 for full description of methods).
It is important to note that certain indispensable nutrition actors were not fully captured using this methodology:
Governments at all levels – national, regional and local - play a central role in the improvement of population level nutrition
outcomes. They set the policy parameters within which the spectrum of other public and private actors operate; they also
shape the global nutrition agenda through governing bodies of intergovernmental and international agencies. In addition
to government, there are many ‘aspirational’ nutrition actors, such as consumer alliances and high profile chefs and other
celebrities who can influence the nutritional status of communities, but who were not fully captured in this report.
2.1. Who is involved
One hundred sixty-seven actors and networks of actors were identified as prominent in global nutrition, over the
past decade. The breakdown according to organizational type is shown in Table 1. The full list of actors and their
mandate and role in relation to nutrition, is presented in Appendix 2.
Table 1.
Actor types and numbers identified
Number identified
Actor type (internationally focused)
From lit. review From web search Total
UN system* 27 16 35
Civil society and non-government organizations 19 44 56
Multilateral development banks / financial institutions 2 3 3
National governments / plurilateral organizations* 3 6 8
Philanthropic organizations** 1 2 2
Private industries 7 13 15
Public-private partnerships / multi-stakeholder initiatives 10 5 12
Research institutions, networks and associations 12 29 36
Total 83 118 167
Notes
* includes entire body of UN organizations, their subsidiary bodies, funds, and programmes, commissions, specialized agencies, departments and offices, and platforms;
* * includes ministries, financing and bilateral agencies, plurilateral organizations.
11
Discussion Paper
A network map of actors who impact nutrition globally is presented in Figure 2 (see Appendix 2 for full details and
explanation of acronyms). This report is for UNSCN, hence the location of UNSCN at the centre of the maps, with
formal and informal connections to other actors identified through the literature and web search methods. Given the
search strategy, which as above was to snowball out from the UNSCN website and associated literature, the actors
most closely located to UNSCN are those with formal connections, with the map building out to others with whom
UNSCN interacts but does not have a formal mandate. Note that not all 167 actors appear on the network map. This
is due to some actors not returning Google or URL-based searches, or having no actors that could be linked to them.
Figures 2 and 3 are simply visualizations of the actors, they do not demonstrate relative influence or power in
the system. Figure 2 demonstrates the number and diversity of agencies, initiatives, funds and intersectoral
platforms who are having an impact on global nutrition and who are connected in many different ways to
each other, categorized by whether they have an explicit mandate or not regarding nutrition. We have used
this categorization to highlight the key players in nutrition governance. As above, this Report defines global
nutrition governance as the group of actors whose mandate or primary intent is to improve nutrition, along with
the formal and informal rules and norms governing their interactions. Figure 3 focuses on just those actors
identifying as having an explicit mandate or primary intent to improve nutrition.
Figure 2.
Network map of global nutrition actors colour coded by explicit nutrition mandate
Note
Green = has explicit mandate or mission statement to address nutrition; Red = does not.
12
Figure 3.
Network map of global nutrition actors with explicit nutrition mandate, colour coded by
institutional type
Note
Light blue = UN system; Green = civil society / non-government organizations; Pink = National governments / plurilateral organizations; Red = Private industries;
Dark blue = Public-private partnerships / multi-stakeholder initiatives; White = Research institutes, networks, professional organizations.
2.2. Who is doing what and how: the mandates and activities of different actors
Country governments, ultimately, are the lead actors in setting national policy frameworks within which other
public and private sector actors operate. UN agencies, through their governing bodies, convening mechanisms,
and country based platforms, support governments in this framework-setting role via support for policy
development, increasing government’s access to nutrition resources, building and strengthening technical and
functional capacities, and through implementation efforts to prevent and ameliorate all forms of malnutrition.
There is no one single UN agency for nutrition, nor just one agency that can help national level governments
address malnutrition; many agencies, departments, and platforms have contributions to make. As shown in
Figures 2 and 3, WHO, FAO, WFP, IFAD, and UNICEF each play explicit nutrition-related roles. Additionally, UN
agencies and programmes such as UNEP, IAEA, and OCHA, while lacking an explicit nutrition-related mandate,
are nevertheless still key to ensuring ongoing connections between nutrition and the environment, nutrition and
humanitarian response, nutrition and technology, and nutrition and agriculture.
13
Discussion Paper
These agencies’ nutrition functions are connected via the UN wide mechanism – UNSCN. As such, UNSCN
can be seen as the ‘strategic nutrition nerve centre’ of the UN. Mandated as the main platform for setting UN
goals that seek to reduce all forms of malnutrition globally, UNSCN works closely with its members to ensure
nutrition policy and activity coherence across the UN, supporting UN agencies in their support of national level
governments and providing enabling structures that many UN actors can use and align with.
These roles are reflected in UNSCN’s 2016-2020 Strategic Objectives, as follows:
i) Maximize UN policy coherencei and advocacy on nutrition

ii) Support consistent and accountable delivery by the UN System
iii) Explore new and emerging nutrition-related issues
iv) Promote knowledge sharing across the UN System
These objectives are underpinned by five guiding principles drawn from the UNSCN Strategic Plan 2016-2020:
1) Underpinned by the human rights framework, particularly the right to adequate food and nutrition;
2) Transparent, effective and inclusive functioning and governance;
3) Build on the mandate and strengths of its members, and work according to a principle of subsidiarity to ensure
maximum impact while avoiding duplication of efforts;
4) Partner selectively with other organizations, programmes or platforms, to engage into broader interactions -
beyond the UN system - with relevant actors and stakeholders about nutrition-related issues, and
5) Accountable through regular updates on progress and results to relevant UN governing bodies, in particular
ECOSOC.
Operationalization of UNSCN’s objectives is done via a range of working mechanisms as shown in Figure 4.
Historically there were three core constituencies within UNSCN: UN Agencies, including finance institutions and
intergovernmental bodies; bilateral partners, and NGO/civil society/research institutions. Working Groups, made
up of UNSCN multi-stakeholder members and partners, focused on key knowledge and practice gaps, thereby
exploring emerging nutrition issues and providing information on what can be done to address them. Today
UNSCN focuses on UN agencies only; it does not have country or NGO/civil society membership.
UNSCN is aiming to expand its membership to more UN agencies in order to deliver on its 2016-2020 Strategic
Objectives, which require cross-sectoral collaboration to address the current state of malnutrition described
above. In the new Strategic Plan, the stipulation is not for open-ended working groups but rather for the selective
convening of time-bound Communities of Practice (CoP) to advance analysis and discussion of relevant topics,
capitalizing on the competence and experience of its members. UNSCN will also engage in broader interactions
beyond the UN system with other core constituencies, such as bilateral partners, research consortia, civil society
and the private sector, through existing international platforms.
i Policy coherence is the systematic promotion of mutually reinforcing policy actions across government agencies, creating synergies towards achieving agreed
objectives. Policy incoherence occurs when policies support outcomes which, accidentally or intentionally, undermine each other. For example, an export subsidy for
canned tuna which aims to promote economic growth but which also (inadvertently) encourages decreased domestic consumption is at cross purposes with a public
health campaign to encourage increased intake of fish. (FAO, 2017).
14
Although UNSCN was created by ECOSOC and initially reported formally to it, this practice has been discontinued
in recent years. Currently, only informal reports are made to the High Level Political Forum, under the auspices of
ECOSOC. Given ECOSOC’s core mandate on coordination of the UN system, and UNSCN’s mandate to maximize
policy coherence and advocacy on nutrition, re-establishment of regular, formal reporting to ECOSOC will
increase UNSCN legitimacy and impact. Efforts are underway by the UNSCN Secretariat to re-establish these
reporting lines to ECOSOC and other relevant UN bodies such as the United Nations System Chief Executives
Board for Coordination (CEB).
Figure 4.
UNSCN ways of working
Note
Solid line signifies direct working relationship. Broken line signifies indirect working relationship via other actor/platform.
15
Discussion Paper
Another important UN mechanism is the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). The High Level Panel of
Experts on food security and nutrition (HLPE) is an important arm of the CFS, providing a strong science-policy
interface including reports on critical and emerging issues. These reports inform and structure CFS debates.
The CFS Advisory Group comprises six different types of actors: Civil society is self-organized through the Civil
Society Mechanism, a coordinating committee that intervenes in the CFS session as a non-voting stakeholder.
There is also a dedicated private sector mechanism (PSM) as well as input from international agricultural
research bodies (CGIAR), international financial institutions (World Bank), trade networks (IAFN) and philanthropy
(The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). CFS reports to ECOSOC. Its main focus is on undernutrition and food
security, although the focus on nutrition is relatively new compared to other UN agencies and platforms.
A number of other influential, nutrition-focused platforms have emerged in recent years, each governed variously
by actors from within the UN system, private sector, NGOs and national governments. These platforms perform
a convening function to harness technical expertise and financial resources; they also provide on-the-ground
support for policy and programme implementation and capacity building. For example, Renewed Efforts
Against Child Hunger and Undernutrition (REACH) has been working since 2008 at country level to strengthen
nutrition governance and United Nations coordination through facilitation, analytical and capacity development
for country-led nutrition responses. REACH’s member agencies comprise the five constituent member agencies
of UNSCN: FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO; its Secretariat acts as an observer in UNSCN meetings.
A very significant new multistakeholder platform is Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN). Established in 2010, SUN
brings together governments, civil society, the private sector and other actors to tackle both the proximate and
underlying causes of malnutrition. SUN includes five networks (Country, Business, Civil Society, Development
Partners and the UN System), operating primarily to co-ordinate and support country-level action, including
establishment of multi-sectoral plans, programme development, results frameworks, and capacity building. The
UN Network for SUN (currently sharing a secretariat with REACH) brings together FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and
WHO to support countries in achieving national nutrition goals and in making advances in reducing malnutrition.
The SUN Lead Group is an influential strategic advisory group, appointed by the UN Secretary-General (SG) and
including representatives from the five networks. The Lead Group’s function is to facilitate coordination and
interconnections between the five networks at global, regional and country level.
There are also a few high-level platforms working to collate actors on issues to do with malnutrition at the
international level. Importantly, these platforms act to establish global norms and policy agendas. One of
these mechanisms is the High Level Task Force on Global Food and Nutrition Security (HLTF), which was
established by the UN SG in 2008 as a response to the food price crisis. The HLTF is a high-level advocacy
and coordination mechanism whose members are UN agencies, funds and programmes, international financial
institutions, and other international organizations. Chaired by the SG, the HLTF’s primary aim is to promote a
comprehensive and unified response by the international community to the challenge of achieving global food
and nutrition security.
Another agenda setting mechanism is the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-
Communicable Diseases (IATF). This platform was established to coordinate the activities of relevant UN
funds, programmes, and agencies as well as other inter-governmental organizations in supporting national
governments to meet high-level commitments to respond to the growing threat of NCDs. It was established by
16
the UN SG in June 2013, at the request of ECOSOC, and is led by WHO. IATF reports annually to ECOSOC and
includes a resolution in the conclusion of ECOSOC’s annual UNGA report.ii
While nutrition may not be an explicit consideration in their mandates or mission statements, a number of
politically and economically powerful actors are now doing much more in nutrition. Multilateral agencies and
financial institutions (e.g. the World Bank and numerous bilaterals), and philanthropic organizations (e.g. the
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) feature prominently in the global landscape, as do certain public-private
partnerships and multinational corporations. With respect to the latter, increased concentration of multinational
agri-food corporations poses questions regarding conflicts of interest when it comes to pro-nutrition agenda
setting and policy development.
There is also a diverse set of non-government organizations and research consortia with concentrations ranging
across food security, food sovereignty, micronutrient deficiencies, overconsumption and diet-related NCDs.
These different foci play important roles in shaping policy agendas and enabling networks of different actors
to coalesce around shared interests. In some cases, these groups are bridging connections between food
systems, nutrition and environmental sustainability, thus helping to shift global and national policy discourse
and agendas.
ii This is not the case with the CFS.
17
Discussion Paper
3. Three nutrition governance challenges

The data presented in the previous section highlight the many actors - public and private, from a plurality of
sectors within and beyond the UN system - who are currently impacting global nutrition. Per Figure 2, some
of these actors have an explicit mandate to improve nutrition, others do not. Moreover, per Appendix 2, some
are focused on undernutrition and food security while others are tackling excess consumption and diet-
related non-communicable diseases. These different actors play both complementary and competing roles in
coordination, decision making (including norm-setting), policy development, technical support, capacity building,
and monitoring. As a result, some competition over limited resources, duplication of activities and confusion
regarding roles and responsibilities at global and country level has seemed inevitable.
These issues are a large part of the three broad governance challenges outlined below, each of which is
anchored in i) current understanding of the multiple determinants of malnutrition, and ii) the recognition that
a plurality of actors are currently involved in shaping nutrition outcomes. Addressing these challenges will help
ensure the transformative action needed to address malnutrition at global, national and local levels.
3.1. Crossing sectors
As above, reductions in malnutrition have been uneven and remain unsatisfactory in many populations,
underscoring the need for better nutrition governance and policy coherence across a range of sectors, including
environment, education, food and agriculture, social protection and health. This is because acceleration
of progress in nutrition requires large-scale “nutrition-sensitive” programmes that address key underlying
social determinants of nutrition and that also enhance the coverage and effectiveness of “nutrition-specific
18
interventions”. Nutrition-speciﬁc interventions are focused on maternal and child undernutrition and comprise
discrete, proven intervention areas which directly address the immediate causes of malnutrition, namely
nutrient intake and health status 45. In contrast, nutrition-sensitive approaches apply to a much broader array
of programme areas and aim to address the underlying causes of malnutrition, namely food access; access to
water, health, and sanitation services; and household care practices 46. As such, nutrition-sensitive approaches
can be included in a wide range of social, health and economic policies that have the potential to reduce
malnutrition in a number of ways, including via improved living and working conditions, access to education,
quality of maternal and child caring practices, and increased income and social protection services. While
both approaches are now routinely acknowledged as critical by the research community46, and by the UN43,
47
, many of the global nutrition actors identified in this paper remain focused exclusively on nutrition-specific
approaches, reducing the chances of increasing nutrition sensitivity in policy areas such as agriculture, social
protection, trade and investment, planning, and education.
3.2. Whose responsibility
There is no one actor responsible for nutrition. While country governments are ultimately responsible for ensuring
national well-being, the global reach and interdependence of nutrition risks means that the underlying drivers of
malnutrition and the means to improve nutrition lie increasingly beyond the control of any one government. The
challenge is further increased given the unequal distribution of nutrition risks and resources and the opposing
interests and powers of various actors in the global system. The question of responsibility is further complicated
by the plethora of previously described global calls to action. These have led to the development of multiple
policies and initiatives at global, regional and country levels, resulting in confusion, impaired multisectoral
coordination and lack of harmonization at country level. Increased coherence among different UN agencies and
platforms to national level governments is vital.
3.3. Accountability
As the data demonstrate, many public and private actors are now involved in global nutrition governance. In
democratic societies, states are formally accountable to their populations. Intergovernmental organizations including
those in the UN system are accountable to their governing bodies and through their reporting to member states.
However, non-state actors such as the private sector, philanthropic foundations, civil society and non-government
organizations all wield power, to varying degrees, in processes of global nutrition governance. Some mechanisms,
such as SUN, bring these state and non-state actors together at the national level to facilitate coordination of activities
but there are few effective mechanisms at the global level for demanding that non-state actors be accountable for the
nutrition impact of their actions. Systematic analysis increasing transparency regarding how these powers operate
has been lacking as a means of further increasing accountability. An additional accountability challenge is that not
all of the actors identified as having an impact on nutrition have a formal nutrition mandate or focus (as indicated in
Figure 2). Without an explicit mandate in nutrition it is difficult to hold these actors to account. The introduction of
the GNR is a welcome step in meeting this challenge. Published annually, the GNR systematically includes a variety
of progress reports on countries and on global commitments to nutrition, thus providing a methodological framework
and hard data for increasing accountability of both public and private actors.
19
Discussion Paper
4. Going forward for UNSCN

Strong yet sensitive navigation of the governance challenges described above is needed to reach the goal of
prevention and amelioration of malnutrition in all its forms. As the UN platform tasked with advancing the
UN’s interagency work on nutrition, focused on issues of policy coherence at the global level, UNSCN is well
positioned to address all three challenges, though doing so will require stronger focus on the elements discussed
below. By embracing these elements UNSCN can translate its legitimacy into impact - supporting and enabling
the diversity of nutrition actors to perform collectively to the best of their ability.
Previous work by UNSCN identified the following elements as important to national governments for the
successful development and implementation of nutrition action48:
• Political impetus: Existence of a national nutrition policy and/or plan provides the political base on which a
country can initiate implementation of action;
• Existence of an intersectoral mechanism to address nutrition: The role of an intersectoral coordinating

committee in implementing national nutrition policies was identified as crucial;
• Monitoring system: Routinely collected food and nutrition data, and a national nutrition information system
that is updated periodically, were considered important for evaluating the effectiveness of national nutrition
plans and policies, and for facilitating the identification of continued subsequent actions;
• Financing mechanism: Allocation of budget for implementation of national nutrition plans was repeatedly
identified as critical.
These elements also apply to global level, where we now see a strong political impetus for the different UN
agencies and partners to work together to address malnutrition in all its forms, through the UN Decade of Action
on Nutrition and the SDGs.
It is important to note that factors identified as important in the field of global health governance are also relevant
to global nutrition, namely: production of global goods; management of externalities; global solidarity and
stewardship49.
The following roles are recommended for UNSCN and build on the elements listed above. These recommended
roles are in line with UNSCN’s Strategic Objectives for 2016-2020: 1) Maximize UN policy coherence and advocacy
on nutrition; 2) Support consistent and accountable delivery by the UN System; 3) Explore new and emerging
nutrition-related issues, and 4) Promote knowledge sharing across the UN System, based on the committee’s five
guiding principles (see p. 11).
20
4.1. Role 1: Enhance coherence
• Reframe the discourse: Nutrition governance versus Governance for nutrition
Global nutrition governance tends to focus on actors with an explicit nutrition mandate or specializing in nutrition.
Governance for nutrition embraces policy areas and actors which are not explicitly nutrition oriented but affect the
underlying causes of malnutrition and which can thus be leveraged for nutrition sensitivity. Shifting the discourse
towards global governance for nutrition may help these actors and sectors ‘see themselves’ as part of the solution.
This will aid pursuit of policy coherence – which is front and centre of UNSCN’s strategic plan and objectives.
• Bridging the worlds of malnutrition
Of the 167 connected actors identified in this study (Figure 2), and of those that belong to the UN system
(Figure 3), there is a strong orientation towards a focus on undernutrition and food security. By taking a
normative stance on the need to address all forms of malnutrition, UNSCN can help better frame the global
governance agenda such that it will be more connected, and thereby help governments at the national level
lead policy development that embraces multisectoral action.
21
Discussion Paper
To have the desired effect, a normative stance requires an appropriate audience. Previously, UNSCN was
considered a ‘big tent’50 comprising UN agencies, governments, private sector, academia, and civil society.
This reach enabled UNSCN to inform the institutional practices and norms of a wide spectrum of actors;
but also resulted over time in a loss of focus vis-à-vis UNSCN’s core mandate and responsibility. Today,
UNSCN membership consists of UN agencies only, with no country, CSO or private sector members. This
shift in representation requires a readjustment in UNSCN‘s approach to advocacy and institutional dialogue,
especially with respect to the urgent need to address malnutrition in all its forms. It is critical that UNSCN
convey ambitious goals, powerful messages, share lessons and provide a one UN voice in nutrition to a wide
multi-actor audience. One recommendation to facilitate this shift is to rally more UN agencies to join UNSCN.
Wider membership would increase UNSCN’s capacity for addressing the inter-sectoral dimensions of all forms
of malnutrition, and for delivery of its various strategic objectives. In addition, stronger leveraging of UNSCN’s
existing membership, convening power and role in other UN platforms including CFS, WHA, REACH and SUN
UN plus its engagement with other multistakeholder mechanisms including SUN and the EAT Initiative (EAT).
• Advocate for intersectoral action
There is no other UN agency or platform that has the mandate to address all forms of malnutrition at the
global level and for all countries. This gives UNSCN the legitimacy, and indeed the ethical responsibility,
to call strongly for UN agencies and platforms in health, social protection, education, environment and
planning, among others, to better prioritize nutrition as an agenda item. UNSCN is in a good position to rally
these actors and help inform them of the impact of their actions on nutrition by bringing evidence to bear
on policy, and by providing a space for constructive discussions about these issues among the different
actors. Currently, many fields and policy issues crucial to the reduction of malnutrition are not governed by
UNSCN (e.g. trade). However, UNSCN’s convening power could be called upon to bring together the plethora
of actors who now impact on global nutrition – no one else is doing this. This does not have to happen
through UNSCN meetings but rather through other existing UN mechanisms such as CFS or the WHA. It
could also happen via multistakeholder platforms such as SUN or EAT.
4.2. Role 2: Stewardship
• Establish legitimacy and voice at the highest level of the UN
The declaration of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition provides UNSCN with the political legitimacy to confidently
pursue its 2016-2020 strategic objectives, and to support UN agencies and other key multistakeholder actors in
their pursuit of coherent policies and activities that empower national governments to address malnutrition in
all its forms. The Resolution increases pressure to pay attention to nutrition at all levels of the UN system– in
essence the whole UN system is being held to account. In this environment, it is very important that UNSCN
exerts its influence and provide a unified coherent articulation of what can and should be done across the UN to
address malnutrition.
22
In order to provide this overall strategic direction to the global nutrition system and to increase policy coherence
among UN agencies, UNSCN must have a strong and respected voice. This requires re-establishment of links and
direct reporting requirements at the highest levels - including ECOSOC, the High Level Political Forum (HLPF),
the Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), and the High Level Task Force on Global Food Security - as
well as strengthened supporting mechanisms within member agencies. Additionally, UNSCN’s voice should be
strengthened through collaboration between UNSCN and platforms in which UNSCN is active - e.g. CFS, IATF - on
a set of reporting criteria which would then be used to routinely inform ECOSOC regarding coherent intersectoral
action taken within the UN system.
• A continual improvement learning system
As discussed above, UNSCN is the “connective tissue” between key global nutrition actors such as UN Network
for SUN, REACH, HLTF, and GNR, and is focused on global policy coherence. It provides a mechanism to share
information and lessons learned, thus promoting an adaptive global nutrition system based on principles of
continual improvement. One way to strengthen this mechanism is via facilitation of feedback between national
and global levels. Sharing experiences and lessons from the national level is an essential element of an adaptive
learning system. Sharing both supports other national level actors and ensures that global level activities are
grounded in the needs of local organizations and communities. As such, strengthening the feedback loops
between SUN, REACH and additional actors who operate primarily at country level, and global level, where UNSCN
and others set guidelines and frameworks and identify capacity building priorities, is critical to establishing a
continual improvement learning system.
Feedback loops are also essential to expanding the nutrition policy agenda to a wider variety of sectors, and to
creating a truly intersectoral environment in which actors can dialogue and exchange information regardless of
their “nutrition persuasion”. Much more could be done to better connect actors in the overweight, obesity, NCDs
arenas (e.g. HLTF and some of the key NGOs and research institutions via the UN platforms in which UNSCN is
engaged).
23
Discussion Paper
4.3. Role 3: Evidence and accountability
• Advancing the nutrition policy agenda with fit for purpose evidence
UNSCN provides valuable publications in the work areas of its constituents, and, historically, the authoritative
Reports on the World Nutrition Situation. Currently, the GNR has displaced the Reports on the World Nutrition
Situation, obviating the need for their publication and creating new opportunities regarding UNSCN’s role in GNR
drafting and dissemination. This Report’s recommendation is to leverage the GNR to actively provide “fit for
purpose” evidence into UNSCN discussions and decision-making processes, similar to the way that the HLPE
provides the science-policy interface for the CFS. This could be a two way process whereby UNSCN engages
actively with the GNR and makes sure that its members provide the GNR team with data as well as actively
distribute the report and its findings.
A wealth of data exists regarding the cost efficacy and effectiveness of nutrition-specific interventions to treat
maternal and child undernutrition. Also, the evidence is growing regarding the best ways to treat micronutrient
malnutrition, overweight/obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. However, relatively little
evidence exists on what is required to improve nutrition policy coherence across sectors, and implementation
and evaluation of nutrition-sensitive policies and programmes. Narrowing this knowledge gap can lead to new
directions for action. As mentioned above, encouraging discussion among different sectors is implied in most
(if not all) of the 2016-2020 UNSCN functions (see Box 1) and is also key to its Strategic Objectives. As such,
promoting dialogue and generation of answers regarding policy coherence and nutrition sensitivity across a
variety of sectors is squarely within UNSCN remit. The planned establishment of selectively convened, time-
bound CoPs should support these activities, as well as the commissioning of discussion papers addressing areas
in which policy coherence is not (yet) eminent. One specific proposal is the publication of a UNSCN knowledge
product projecting the co-benefits - including but not limited to nutrition - which could arise from the joint delivery
of SDGs for various sectoral goals. To this end, this Report recommends that UNSCN actively liaise with platforms
of academia such as the GNR, the HLPE, and the IUNS as well as individual universities who are preeminent in
nutrition and related areas. UNSCN should provide the one stop shop for up to date nutrition evidence online. In
addition to promoting evidence generation regarding nutrition policy coherence, this type of activity will also cast
UNSCN in more of a “knowledge hub” role, strengthening its academic credentials and increasing its clout during
engagement in the CFS, IATF and other interagency fora.
• Monitor and improve the accountability framework
A key mandate of UNSCN is to encourage UN agencies and platforms to set global nutrition-specific and nutrition-
sensitive policies and programmes, and to help national governments develop and implement such approaches.
This mandate requires involving actors who do not necessarily have a formal or explicit directive to improve
nutrition (e.g. ILO). Without an explicit mandate in nutrition, it is difficult to ensure that such actors pursue goals
which are compatible to nutrition; therefore some form of monitoring the actions of these actors is needed. One
useful collaborative form of accountability already exists within UNSCN and can be leveraged for this purpose:
within the UN system, each agency is accountable to their own governing bodies and member states. However,
24
importantly, when UN agencies/actors sign up to a UNSCN policy document, a mechanism is provided via reporting
and discussion within meetings and exchanges wherein agencies/actors are in fact providing a degree of mutual
accountability to each other under the UNSCN aegis. Since UNSCN as a UN committee also reports to ECOSOC,
this is another mechanism for joint accountability, through UNSCN, of its members to ECOSOC and the HLPF.
Additionally, two formal nutrition monitoring mechanisms have been established: WHO is involved in monitoring
the World Health Assembly nutrition targets, and the GNR provides a systematic, timely monitoring mechanism
of target setting and target meeting, including financing and assessment of prevalence rates (undernutrition,
micronutrient deficiencies, overweight/obesity, and diet-related NCDs). However, these two mechanisms monitor
impacts and outcomes, not actors, thus making it difficult to disentangle who contributed what.
As part of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, FAO and WHO are working to bridge this gap via creation of
a repository of nutrition commitments by governments, including nutrition-sensitive programmes and actions.
This Report recommends that UNSCN contributes to this initiative by facilitating capture of lessons learned
and success stories at global and national level. This could be undertaken by the Taskforce on Assessment,
Monitoring and Evaluation (AME) and would include all agencies and platforms with whom UNSCN has a direct
working relationship (as shown in Figure 4), including those who do not have a direct nutrition mandate. Findings
would be made available on the UNSCN website.
25
Discussion Paper
Conclusion
This is a pivotal moment in history. High levels of political support to address malnutrition in all its forms,
epitomized by the establishment of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, are providing the impetus and direction
for a diversity of actors to work together. By capitalizing on this momentum at global, national and local levels,
transformative systemic change in all communities, but particularly among societies’ most disadvantaged groups,
is more possible than ever before.
As the ”strategic nerve centre of the UN” and the UN committee tasked with setting the direction, scale, coherence
and impact of the UN system response to global nutrition challenges, it is recommended that UNSCN adopts and
operationalizes the roles suggested above. These roles - while articulated in the context of global governance for
nutrition - are no different from those stated in the UNSCN’s current Strategic Plan, and as such should be seen
as integral to it.
The roles recommended above are also vital to the success of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, for which
this Report has identified three catalytic mechanisms to support progress on nutrition commitments made at the
global and national levels: evidence informed advocacy; convening platforms, and accountability mechanisms.
Finally, adoption of the roles recommended above will help provide clarity and guidance in what is a complex and
busy nutrition landscape. UNSCN’s embrace of these roles will help the great diversity and volume of actors who
directly and indirectly influence people’s nutritional status feel part of a collective working towards a common
good and the manifestation of the right to food and health. Adoption by UNSCN of inclusive stewardship practices
will help improve accountability across the global nutrition landscape and operationalize the coordinating
mechanism that it was charged with in UNGA. Ultimately, adoption of inclusive participatory governance for
nutrition by UNSCN will improve health, reduce poverty and other social inequities, and build societies that live
within environmental limits.
26
Appendix 1. Research methods

Data collection
To increase the probability of identifying all relevant actors in the global nutrition system, two complementary
approaches were used – a rapid literature review and a systematic online website search. Actors were included
if they met the following criteria: 1) identified as impacting on nutrition; or 2) were an organization/platform with
an explicit mandate or mission statement focused on nutrition (identified by reviewing first and second tier pages
on their website); or 3) influenced food and nutrition responses in three countries or more across different regions
(identified by reviewing statements on their nutrition-related activities and approaches). The search method
proceeded via the following steps:
Step 1: A rapid literature review of journal articles was undertaken to generate an initial list of actors involved in
global nutrition. The search was limited to articles published between 1 January 2008 and 31 August 2016. The
rationale for selecting 2008 as the search starting point was the publication of the Lancet series on Maternal and
Child Nutrition in that year, which highlighted the scale of undernutrition and criticized the failure of a “fragmented
and dysfunctional international architecture” to deal with it. This was an important catalyst for increased nutrition
attention globally51. The following databases were searched: ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, ELDIS, and
Google scholar. Search terms included relevant subject headings and keywords in the title, abstract and text for
terms: (global OR international) AND (governance OR institution*OR architect* OR actor OR stakeholder) AND
*nutrition*. The websites of organizations identified in the articles were reviewed. A total of 83 organizations met
the inclusion criteria.
Step 2: A systematic online search of websites was undertaken to identify actors not captured in the literature
review. This method has been used previously to identify actors in the global health governance system and to
map their interconnections52. Google’s related:url search function was used to locate the web pages of global
nutrition actors. This utilizes an algorithm that combines page usage, content analysis, and connectivity analysis
to identify non-identical but topically similar websites. This assumes that all prominent global nutrition actors
have an online presence. First, a search was undertaken using Google’s related:url operator and the UNSCN
homepage (related:www.unscn.org). This generated 13 organizations of which nine met the inclusion criteria.
Second, a snowballing related:url search was undertaken, whereby multiple iterative searches of the homepages
of organizations meeting the inclusion criteria were made until saturation was reached (i.e. the number of new
organizations identified approach zero). Relational data (i.e. the connections between organizations identified in
successive searches) was recorded. A total of 118 organizations met the inclusion criteria.
Step 3: A list of all actors identified in Steps 1 and 2 was compiled and duplicates removed. A total of 47
organizations were identified in the literature review but not in the web search. An additional search of these
organizations was undertaken using the related:url operator and relational data for these organizations collected.
A total of 167 organizations were included in the final analysis.
27
Discussion Paper
Steps 1-3 above were used to identify the many actors who are having an impact on global nutrition - some with
an explicit mandate to address nutrition and others not. It is important that UNSCN is aware of and engaging with
these actors. In Step 4 we focus on the UN, given that UNSCN’s mandate relates to the UN system. Attention is
given to the UN agencies with an explicit mandate regarding nutrition, as well as the wider UNSCN network, which
includes all UN agencies, bilaterals, international NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector, which have
a significant interest or engagement in nutrition-related issues. This narrowing enables a more in-depth analysis
of the key actors within the UN system who are involved in some way in global nutrition governance.
To this end, the following selection criteria were applied to the 167 entities identified in step 3 above. Actors were
included if they were: a) formal member of the UN system with a mandate for nutrition; or b) platform established
within UN with an explicit mandate for nutrition; or c) actor formally / strongly connected to actors in the UN
system and with a significant interest or engagement in nutrition-related issues as identified by reviewing their
website/mission statement.
Presentation of data
Network maps were drawn based on the web-page searches. These are not maps of centrality and influence,
but maps of connections to UNSCN as indicated by weblinks. The open source platform ‘Cytoscape’ was used to
generate the network maps, thereby visually mapping the actors in global nutrition and their interconnections.
Relevant data about the different actors were extracted from the websites of included organizations. Data
collected included: actor type; nutrition focus; an explicit mandate for nutrition focus; and functional role. Data
were entered into Microsoft Excel and tabulated.
Method limitations
The method used to generate the network maps does not determine the relative influence of various actors nor
the forms of influence they wield. While we did identify many of the actors who are having an impact on global
nutrition, it was not possible to do an in-depth analysis of all the ‘nutrition-sensitive’ actors. For example, we did
not include the International Labour Organization in the detailed analysis of global nutrition governance even
though we recognize that the Decent Work agenda has an indirect impact on nutrition.
28
Appendix 2.
A list of actors involved in global
nutrition, their nutrition focus and role
No. Actor Nutrition focus Explicit mandate Role
nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
1 United Nation General nutrition Y UNSCN is the food and nutrition policy harmonization
Standing forum of the United Nations. The mandate is to promote
Committee on cooperation among UN agencies and partner organizations
Nutrition (UNSCN) in support of community, national, regional, and
international efforts to end malnutrition in all of its forms
in this generation.
2 Food and Food security Y The aim of FAO is to raise levels of nutrition and standards
Agriculture of living, secure improvements in food production and
Organization of distribution, better the conditions of rural people, and
the United Nations contribute toward an expanding world economy and
(FAO) ensure freedom from hunger. FAO focus on nutrition
improvement through food-based interventions, including
nutrition education, and analytical work on food
consumption and food-based dietary guidelines.
3 International Fund Food security Y A specialized UN agency and International Financial

for Agricultural Institution dedicated to eradicating poverty in rural areas
Development (IFAD) of developing countries. IFAD strives to enable poor
rural people to improve their food and nutrition security,
increase their incomes and strengthen their resilience by
investing in agricultural development projects that bring
about rural transformation. Involved in UN Global Nutrition
Agenda.
4 United Nation General Nutrition, Y Focus on children, children’s rights, equity, resilience.
Children’s Fund Undernutrition, Strong country presence and focus on support to
(UNICEF) Micronutrient programme implementation. Active in both humanitarian
deficiencies, and development assistance but not directly involved in
Overweight/Obesity agriculture and food system interventions. The agency
is involved in UN Global Nutrition Agenda, SUN, REACH,
GAIN, MI and several micronutrient networks. It is also the
cluster lead for Nutrition in Emergencies (Global Nutrition
Cluster).
5 World Food Undernutrition Y The WFP was established in 1961 by the General
Programme (WFP) Assembly and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Conference as the UN System's food aid organization.
Food-based assistance and enabling access for the most
vulnerable with nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive
approaches through various entry points across the value
chain in both humanitarian and development contexts.
Involved in UN Global Nutrition Agenda, it implements
emergency response/food aid and provides logistics, and
support through development programmes.
29
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
6 World Health General nutrition Y Global health leader, strong focus on technical
Organization (WHO) guidance, normative functions, including monitoring
of nutrition policies. In 2016 WHO developed its new
Nutrition Strategy: WHO plays a leadership role in
shaping the narrative of the global nutrition agenda, in
leveraging changes in relevant non-health sectors to
improve and mainstream nutrition, and in leveraging
the implementation of effective nutrition policies and
programmes. WHO guidance priorities focus on defining
healthy sustainable diets and guide the identification and
use of effective nutrition interventions. The monitoring
priority supports the establishment of targets and
monitoring systems for nutrition.
7 High Level Task Food security Y PLATFORM: Established by the UN Secretary General in
Force on Global 2008. Promotes a comprehensive and unified response to
Food and Nutrition the challenge of achieving global food security, including
Security (HLTF) by facilitating the creation of a prioritized plan of action
and coordinated its implementation.
8 Committee on Food security Y PLATFORM: Vision is to be the most inclusive international

World Food Security and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work
(CFS) together to ensure food security and nutrition for all. Aims at
better integrating food security and nutrition policy.
Civil Society Mechanism (CSM): part of the CFS, it is the

largest international space of civil society organizations
(CSOs) working to eradicate food insecurity and
malnutrition.
Private Sector Mechanism (PSM): part of the CFS, an open

platform for providing a permanent seat for for-profit
enterprises, and their associations, right across the value
chain at the UN Committee on Food Security. The PSM
welcomes all those involved in addressing agriculture and
food security from a business point of view – including
farmers, input providers, cooperatives, processors,
small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and food
companies.
High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition

(HLPE) – part of CFS: Assesses and analyzes current state
of food security and nutrition and its underlying causes.
9 Renewed Efforts Undernutrition Y PLATFORM: Aims to reduce maternal and child

Against Child undernutrition in participating countries by improving
Hunger and national nutrition governance and management. Operates
Undernutrition in the context of other global nutrition initiatives
(REACH) including SUN.
10 Inter-Agency Diet-related NCDs Y PLATFORM: Coordinates the activities of relevant UN

Task Force on the organizations and other inter-governmental organizations
Prevention and to support governments to meet high-level commitments
Control of Non- to respond to NCD epidemics worldwide.
Communicable
Diseases (IATF)
30

nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
11 The Inter-Agency General nutrition Y PLATFORM: The GNC was established as part of the
Standing Committee and Emergency Humanitarian Reform process to improve the effectiveness
Global Nutrition food aid of humanitarian response programmes by ensuring
Cluster (GNC) greater predictability, accountability and partnership.
The vision of GNC is to safeguard and improve nutritional
status of emergency affected populations by ensuring
an appropriate response that is predictable, timely and
effective and at scale. UNICEF is the Cluster Lead Agency.
12 CODEX Alimentarius General nutrition Y PLATFORM: Established by FAO and WHO to develop
(CODEX) harmonized international food standards, the CODEX
international food is a collection of standards, guidelines
and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality
and fairness of international food trade (food production
and safety). The Commission’s main goals are to protect
the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the
international food trade.
Currently cover 99% of world’s population, international
governmental and non-governmental organizations can
become accredited Codex observers.
13 FAO/WHO Food security Y PLATFORM: To prevent the spread of contaminated

International Food food and foodborne disease, and strengthen food safety
Safety Authorities systems globally.
Network (INFOSAN)
14 Food Security Food security Y PLATFORM: Located in WFP. The Food Security Cluster
Cluster (FSC) is about enhancing cooperation and partnerships. The
FSC works directly with its partners and stakeholders
that include international NGOs, the Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement, other cluster lead agencies,
UN organizations, Governments and Donors. The Food
Security Cluster (FSC) has been established to coordinate
the food security response during a humanitarian
crisis, addressing issues of food availability, access and
utilisation.
15 United Nations General nutrition N PLATFORM: The UNGA occupies a central position as the
General Assembly chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ
(UNGA) of the United Nations. Comprises of all 193 members
of the UN, it provides a unique forum for multilateral
discussion of the full spectrum of international issues
covered by the Charter of the UN. On 1 April 2016, the
UNGA agreed a resolution proclaiming a UN Decade
of Action on Nutrition that will run from 2016 to 2025.
The resolution calls upon FAO and WHO to lead the
implementation of the Decade of Action on Nutrition in
collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and
the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and involving
coordination mechanisms such as the United Nations
System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN) and
multi-stakeholder platforms such as the Committee on
World Food Security (CFS).
31
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
16 Food Assistance Undernutrition Y INSTRUMENT: An international development treaty

Convention (FAC) designed to ensure the minimum levels of food are made
available to help meet the emergency food needs of
developing countries.
17 High Level Task Food security Y INSTRUMENT: IPC is a standardized scale that integrates
Force on Global food security, nutrition and livelihood information into
Food and Nutrition a clear statement about the nature and severity of food
Security (HLTF) insecurity and implications for strategic response.
The IPC was originally developed for use in Somalia by

FAO’s Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU).
Since then, several national governments and international
agencies have introduced it in different food security
contexts and is now being used in over 25 countries in
Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
18 International Labor General nutrition Y Food at Work, is inextricably linked to the pillars of the
Organization (ILO) ILO’s Decent Work agenda. Adopted the Welfare Facilities
Recommendation (No. 102) in 1986, which specified
guidelines for the establishment of canteens, cafeterias,
mess rooms and other food facilities.
19 International Atomic General nutrition N The IAEA aims to contribute, through the application
Energy Agency of nuclear techniques, to the global efforts to improve
(IAEA) nutrition, health and development. The agency’s
research activities cover agriculture, infant and young
child nutrition, childhood obesity, environmental
issues, maternal and adolescent health, diet quality
and healthy aging.
20 United Nations High General nutrition, N The agency partners with host government to improve
Commissioner for Food security, refugee health, nutrition and hygiene. It works to
Refugees (UNHCR) Undernutrition, improve nutrition through strategic funding and work
Micronutrient closely with the WFP to improve nutrition. It has
deficiencies improved food security through multi-storey gardens in
refugee camps, improve children and maternal nutrition
status, and improve the burden of anaemia and other
micronutrient deficiencies. The Special Rapporteur on
the Right to Food is an independent expert appointed
by OHCHR to monitors the situation of the right to food
throughout the world, and identifies general trends
related to the right to food and undertakes country
visits which provide the Special Rapporteur with a first-
hand account on the situation concerning the right to
food in a specific country,
21 United Nations Food security N Offers assistance in attracting domestic and foreign
Conference investment and in developing sustainable agricultural
on Trade and practices.
Development
(UNCTAD)
32

nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
22 United Nations Undernutrition, N UNDP is the UN development network mandated to

Development Food security, work towards eradicating poverty. It works closely
Programme (UNDP) Emergency food aid with government on emergency preparedness. It also
works with governments and other UN and international
agencies to help developing country government respond
to the global food crisis.
23 Joint United Nations General nutrition N Within the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/
Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Food Programme (WFP) is the
AIDS (UNAIDS) lead agency for ensuring that food and nutrition support
is integrated into national HIV and TB strategies and
provided to patients when needed.
24 United Nations Food security N Together with FAO, helps to implement the Global
Environment (UNEP) Environment Facility (GEF), the world’s largest public
funder of international environmental projects.
25 United Nations Food security N Partnership with WFP to support '1000 Days' initiative
Population Fund to improve nutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding
(UNFPA) women to ensure the next generation of children achieve
the best possible start in life. Zero hunger (end hunger,
achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture) is part of the SDG, and UNPFA will
work with working with governments, partners and other
UN agencies to directly tackle these SDG.
26 United Nations General nutrition, N Part of an Inter-Agency Task Force on Rural Women (ITC-ILO,
Women (UNW) Food security SPFII, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNIDO, UN
Women and WHO) and focus on women’s empowerment
to end poverty, hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
27 World Trade General nutrition N A global forum for trade policy direction setting. Trade
Organization (WTO can aid in promoting sustainable development and
support the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2005, FAO
and WTO agreed to strengthen cooperation to promote
international food trade and safety in ways that improve
peoples’ nutrition and allow small-scale producers to
have better access to international agriculture markets.
28 United Nations General nutrition N UNCDF in partnership with FAO and OECD is engaged in this
Capital multi-year action oriented project on a territorial approach to
Development Fund Food Security and Nutrition (based on the joint FAO-OECD-
(UNCDF) UNCDF Publication on Food Security and Nutrition).
29 United Nation Office N OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat
for the Coordination responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to
of Humanitarian ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also
Affairs (OCHA) ensures there is a framework within which each actor can
contribute to the overall response effort.
OCHA plays a key role in operational coordination in
crisis situations. This includes assessing situations and
needs; agreeing common priorities; developing common
strategies to address issues such as negotiating access,
mobilizing funding and other resources; clarifying
consistent public messaging; and monitoring progress.
33
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
UN SYSTEM
30 United Nations N UNDESA assists countries around the world in agenda-

Department of setting and decision-making with the goal of meeting their
Economic and economic, social and environmental challenges.
Social Affairs
(UNDESA)
31 United Nations Food security N The CEB is the longest-standing and highest-level
System Chief coordination forum of the United Nations system. The
Executives Board CEB provides broad guidance, coordination and strategic
for Coordination direction for the system as a whole in the areas under the
(CEB) responsibility of executive heads.
It established the UN system Network on Rural

development and Food Security, a global partnership
approach towards tackling rural development challenges
at the country level.
32 United Nations General nutrition N ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United
Economic and Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic,
Social Council social, and related work of 14 UN specialized agencies,
(ECOSOC) their functional commissions and five regional
commissions. ECOSOC serves as a central forum for
discussing international economic and social issues, and
for formulating policy recommendations addressed to
member states and the UN system. ECOSOC play a major
role in the preparations, monitoring and implementation of
a post 2015 development agenda.
33 Office of the Food security N To monitor the situation of the right to food throughout
United Nations the world, and identifies general trends related to the
Commissioner right to food and undertakes country visits which provide
for Human Rights the Special Rapporteur with a first-hand account on
(OHCHR) the situation concerning the right to food in a specific
country.
34 Global Donor Food security N PLATFORM: GDPRD is a network of 38 bilateral and

Platform for Rural multilateral donors, international financing institutions,
Development intergovernmental organizations and development
(GDPRD) agencies.
35 High Level Political N PLATFORM: The Division for Sustainable Development

Forum (HLPF) (DSD) seeks to provide leadership and catalyse action
in promoting and coordinating implementation of
internationally agreed development goals, including the
seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among
other mandates, it hosts the secretariat for the High-level
Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the
central platform within the United Nations system for the
follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, adopted by Heads of State and Governments
in September 2015.
34

nutrition (Y/N)
CIVIL SOCIETY AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS
36 Emergency Undernutrition Y To improve knowledge, stimulate learning and provide

Nutrition Network vital support and encouragement to food and nutrition
(ENN) workers involved in emergencies.
37 Micronutrient Micronutrient Y MI is dedicated to eliminate vitamin and mineral

Initiative (MI) deficiency deficiencies worldwide. Their purpose is to ensure that the
world's most vulnerable has access to micronutrition, to
be a global leader in advancing integrated, innovative and
sustainable solutions to reduce micronutrients deficiencies
through intervention delivery and research. MI works
either directly or with partners, including governments,
food producers, and partner organizations to develop and
implement programmes.
38 Iodine Global Micronutrient Y IGN is dedicated to sustainable elimination of iodine

Network (IGN) deficiency deficiency. Their mission is to be the authoritative voice
for iodine nutrition and lead the global efforts to eliminate
iodine deficiency. They support and catalyze global and
national iodine programmes by working with key public,
private, scientific and civic stakeholders. While IGN
continues to play a strong scientific and advisory role on
iodine nutrition, it is the network of over 100 regional and
national coordinators and partner agencies (the Global
Alliance for Improved Nutrition, the Micronutrient Initiative,
and UNICEF) who are at the core of its activities and global
efforts to eliminate Iodine deficiency disorders.
39 Access to Nutrition General nutrition Y The primary objective of ATNF is to publish, on a regular
Foundation (ANTF) basis, a set of Indexes, The Global Access to Nutrition
Index, that assess and rates major food and beverage
manufacturers’ nutrition policies, practices and disclosure.
40 Food First General nutrition Y An international human rights organization that has
Information and advocated for the realization of the right to food. They strive
Action Network to secure people's access to the resources that they need in
(FIAN) order to feed themselves, now and in the future.
41 International General nutrition Y Represents the interests of national and regional

Coalition for associations who collaborate with all sectors of
Advocacy on consumer packaged goods industry. Promotes the
Nutrition (ICAN) harmonization of scientific standards and policies
concerned with health, safety, packaging, and labelling, of
foods, beverages and other consumer packaged goods.
42 International General nutrition Y It is the civil society interface with FAO on matters
Planning and Food security concerning food security. It comprises of an international
Committee for Food network that brings together several organizations
Sovereignty (IPC) representing farmers, fisherfolk, agricultural workers,
indigenous people and NGOs. Facilitate discussions
between NGOs, social organizations and movements, as well
as dialogue with FAO.
43 International Diet-related NCDs Y Connects global advocacy to local reality and deliver
Diabetes Federation vital diabetes prevention, treatment and care in over
(IDF) 170 countries worldwide. Creates guideline for diabetes
management.
35
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
44 International Union Diet-related NCDs Y Convenes global cancer control community, advocate
Against Cancer and place cancer on global health agenda, coordinate
(UICC) programmes and initiative.
45 World Heart Diet-related NCDs Y Part of the NCD Alliance (cancer, diabetes, chronic
Federation (WHF) respiratory disease). Advocates for policy change and
supports initiatives addressing obesity, healthy diet and
physical activity.
46 NCD Alliance Diet-related NCDs Y NCD Alliance is a society network of 2000 civil society
(NCDA) organizations in more than 170 countries. Their
network includes global and national NGOs, scientific
and professional associations, academic and research
institutions, private sector entities and dedicated
individuals. It aims to unite and strengthen civil society
network to stimulate collaborative advocacy, actions and
accountability for NCD prevention and control.
47 World Obesity (WO) Overweight/obesity Y To collate, conduct and disseminate world-leading

research into obesity; to influence policy of academics,
government and businesses; to bring rigour, consistency
and credibility to the field through educational
programmes, training, publications, conferences and
accreditation
48 International General nutrition Y IBFAN works through programmes designed for increasing
Baby Food Action its outreach by building alliances, protecting people from
Network (IBFAN) baby food corporations’ misleading propaganda, advocating
with governments to hold the baby food corporations
accountable, providing technical and planning support
to governments, campaigning, training and capacity
building. IBFAN is a watch-dog organization, monitoring
the compliance with the International Code of Breast
Milk Substitutes, and subsequent relevant World Health
Assembly resolutions, as well as highlighting conflict of
interests in policies and programmes both globally and
nationally.
49 International General nutrition Y The association provides innovative education and

Lactation networking, provide access to and interpretation of
Consultant lactation research, build capacity for future leaders,
Association (ILCA) advance breastfeeding on the global agenda.
50 World Alliance General nutrition Y To protect, promote and support breastfeeding worldwide
for Breastfeeding in the framework of the Innocenti Declarations (1990 and
Action (WABA) 2005) and the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child
Feeding through networking and facilitating collaborative
efforts in social mobilisation, advocacy, information
dissemination and capacity building. The agency aims to
foster a strong and cohesive breastfeeding movement,
which will act on the various international instruments
to create an enabling environment for mothers, thus
contributing to increasing optimal breastfeeding and infant
and young child feeding practices.
36

nutrition (Y/N)
51 Thousand Days General nutrition Y With the backing of the U.S. Government, the Government
(THDYS) of Ireland, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and several
non-profit organizations, 1,000 Days began its work as
a partnership to drive greater action and investment to
improve nutrition for women and young children throughout
the world.
52 Action Against Undernutrition Y Provides communities with access to safe water and
Hunger sustainable solutions to hunger
International (AAH)
53 The Hunger Project Undernutrition Y The organization’s mission is to end hunger and poverty
(THP) with sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies
and advocating for their widespread adoption in
countries throughout the world. They host programmes
throughout Africa, South Asia and Latin America are
based on an innovative, holistic approach, which
empowers women and men living in rural villages to
become the agents of their own development and make
sustainable progress in overcoming hunger and poverty.
54 Stop Hunger Now Undernutrition Y To end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-
(SHN) changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a
global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.
55 Food For The Poor Undernutrition and Y The organization serves the poorest of the poor in 17
(FFTP) emergency food aid countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,
by providing lifesaving food, secure housing, clean water,
healthcare, emergency relief, micro-enterprise projects and
education opportunities.
56 Bread for the World Undernutrition Y Bread for the World Institute provides nonpartisan policy
(BREAD) analysis on hunger and strategies to end it. The Institute
has been educating opinion leaders, policymakers, and
the public about hunger in the United States and abroad
since 1975.
57 Feed the Children Undernutrition Y Provides feeding programmes and education for families to
(FTC) grow, raise and eventually sell their own food.
58 Alive & Thrive (AAT) General nutrition Y Alive & Thrive is an initiative to save lives, prevent illness,
and ensure healthy growth and development through
improved breastfeeding and complementary feeding
practices.
59 Strengthening Undernutrition Y SPRING is dedicated to strengthening global and country

Partnerships, Result efforts to scale up impact-high nutrition practices and
and Innovations in policies. It focuses on preventing stunting and maternal and
Nutrition Globally child anaemia in the first 1000 days.
(SPRING)
60 Health and General nutrition Y HEART is a consortium of leading organizations

Education Advice in international development, health, nutrition and
and Resource Team education. HEART work together to support the use of
(HEART) evidence and expert advice in policymaking.
37
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
61 Congressional Undernutrition Y Congressional Hunger Centre develops emerging anti-

Hunger Centre hunger leaders by bridging grassroots efforts and public
(CHC) policy and building coalitions that advocate for food
security.
62 CONCERN Emergency food aid Y An international humanitarian organization dedicated

Worldwide US to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest
(CONC) countries. They have 5 main programmes: Education,
Emergency, HIV and AIDS, Health, and Livelihoods.
63 Freedom from Undernutrition Y Freedom from Hunger brings innovative and sustainable
Hunger (FFH) self-help solutions to the fight against chronic hunger
and poverty. Together with local partners, we equip
families with resources (microfinance programmes and
education modules) they need to build futures of health,
hope and dignity.
64 Food For The Undernutrition and Y Food for the Hungry is an international relief and
Hungry (FFTH) Emergency food aid development organization with operations in more
than 20 countries. They respond to natural disaster by
proving shelter, feed and clothes. They provide long-
term development work with the poor to transform
impoverished communities.
65 Mennonite Central Undernutrition and Y MCC works with local partners around the world to make
Committee (MCC) Emergency food aid sure there is food for today, food for tomorrow and food
for all. In situations of conflict or disaster, they provide
emergency food assistance including food packages,
vouchers and cash. Their partners work with farmers on
new techniques to improve soil health and increase yields.
They advocate for government policies that allow everyone
to access enough food.
66 Alliance to End Undernutrition Y A platform for both secular and faith organizations to
Hunger (ATEH) join together in the fight against hunger. They advocate
for hunger issues on national agenda, provide capacity
building for civil society coalitions in 7 countries and
support hunger free communities initiatives.
67 Helen Keller Undernutrition, N Has launched and completed several initiatives to combat
International (HKI) Food security malnutrition, involved in agricultural programmes to improve
and Micronutrient agricultural and nutritional practices, implement Vitamin A
deficiencies supplementation project to combat blindness.
68 International Undernutrition and N Provides technical and emergency health and nutrition
Federation of Red Emergency food aid to countries affected by disaster. Implement nutrition
Cross and Red programme for malnourished children.
Crescent Societies
(IFRC)
69 Save the Children General nutrition N To provide health and nutrition programmes. Save the
(STC) and Undernutrition Children works to improve health and nutrition of mothers,
newborn babies and children, with special attention to poor
and vulnerable communities, especially those hit by natural
disasters and conflict.
38

nutrition (Y/N)
70 Oxfam International Emergency food aid N Provide emergency food, giving cash handouts for buying
(OXFAM) food, restock livestock and grain banks.
71 Cooperative for Emergency food aid N Provides technical support, with focus on the delivery of
Assistance and food commodities and resources during emergencies.
Relief Everywhere
(CARE)
72 World Vision General nutrition N World Vision’s Nutrition Centre of Expertise (NCoE), part
International (WVI) Undernutrition of their Global Health team, provides strategic leadership
to address malnutrition. The organization invests in global
health and nutrition initiatives, engages in partnerships in
global programmes, contribute to nutrition research, aids
in advocacy, learning and development strategy in nutrition
governance.
73 PATH General nutrition N PATH develops and promotes inexpensive and innovative
health interventions aimed at making sure mothers-to-be,
babies, and children get the nutrients they need. We bring
decades of experience to this work, partnering across
sectors and countries to improve the effectiveness and
reach of nutrition programmes.
74 Caritas Food security and N Caritas advocates for the right to food, where everyone
Internationalis emergency food aid receives nutritious and adequate food. It promotes
(CARITAS) investment in agricultural and rural development. It helps
people access nutritious food by changing what they grow
and training them to prepare for when disaster strikes. In
times of emergency, Caritas programmes provide food
distributions and supplementary feeding.
75 Action Aid (ACTAID) Undernutrition N The primary aim is to work against poverty and injustice
worldwide; Action Aid implement nutrition interventions
in communities affected by poverty.
76 PLAN International Undernutrition N PLAN takes action before, during and after disasters by
(PLAN) supporting programmes such as: malnutrition prevention
and management, food distribution, school feeding,
agricultural act ivies, and cash and voucher-based support.
77 InterAction General nutrition N InterAction is an alliance organization in Washington, D.C.

(INTACT) and Food security of NGOs. Working around the world, InterAction serves as
a convener, thought leader and voice in our community.
InterAction's range of programmes fall under humanitarian
action, advocacy, international development and NGO
accountability.
78 Heifer International Food security N Heifer International works with communities to strengthen
(HEIFER) local economies. They train and support small-scale farmers
to achieve year-round availability and access to diverse
and nutritious food, as well as provide access to water and
improved sanitation.
39
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
79 International Food security N IISD reports on international negotiations, conducts

Institute for rigorous research, and engages citizens, businesses
Sustainable and policy-makers on the shared goal of developing
Development (IISD) sustainably. IISD seeks to improve climate resilience and
food security through an understanding of the factors
that influence the resilience of food systems to climate
shocks and stresses. Their experts develop practical
indicators to monitor such factors at both the community
and national levels. They also work with governments
and communities to improve our understanding of how
policies affect the climate resilience of food systems.
80 International Food security N The goal of the organization is to advance sustainable

Centre for Trade development through trade-related policymaking.
and Sustainable Building on its reputation for facilitating dialogue and
Development generating timely and relevant research on policy
(ICTSD) challenges, ICTSD’s work on agriculture and seeks
to promote food security, equity and environmental
sustainability in agricultural trade.
81 Practical Action Food security N Their programmes work with communities to identify
(PRACTA) the most appropriate entry points for long-term and
sustainable change to improve food production.
82 Relief International General nutrition N Relief International programmes empower communities to:
(RELIEF) launch disease prevention campaigns; treat and prevent
malnutrition; educate families about health and nutrition;
provide maternal care (pre-natal, delivery and post-natal);
offer sexual and reproductive health services; train health
care workers; deliver acute care treatment, primary health
care, and hospital treatment services; train veterinarians
and medical staff to recognize and prevent diseases
spread by livestock.
83 World Missionary Undernutrition and N WME is an inter-denominational, humanitarian and

Evangelism (WME) emergency food aid missionary organization and is involved in child sponsorship,
native missionary sponsorship, disaster relief, and
community development projects such as churches,
schools, medical clinics, water wells, feeding programmes,
farms and vocational training.
84 Medical Team General nutrition N Our Community Health programmes focus on women,
International (MTI) children, and primary healthcare. We address such
issues as childhood disease prevention, maternal health,
newborn health, nutrition, immunization, water and
sanitation. Medical Teams International's Humanitarian
Response Team provides disaster relief during natural
disasters and man-made crises where needs outstrip the
local capacity to respond.
85 The Salvation Army Emergency food aid N From family tracing to disaster response, the Salvation
International (TSA) Army offers a wide variety of services worldwide: emergency
response, health services and international projects and
development services.
40

nutrition (Y/N)
86 Family care Emergency food aid N Family Care Foundation (FCF) provides humanitarian
Foundation (FCF) services in developing nations, makes grants, and provides
training for grassroots organizations in the developing
world, participating in a wide variety of community based
initiatives.
87 Convoy of Hope Emergency food aid N Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, non-profit organization
(COH) with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s
feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster
response.
88 Aid for Starving Emergency food aid N To provide food, water, education and medical supplies to
Children (AFSC) and Undernutrition starving and needy children worldwide. We also provide
emergency relief to children and families in places ravaged
by natural disasters or war.
89 Children's Hunger Emergency food aid N As an association of churches focused on humanitarian

Relief Fund (CHRF) and Undernutrition needs and dedicated to helping disadvantaged children
and families transform their lives through the power of
practical compassion, honour and reciprocity.
90 Healing Hands Food security N Holds agricultural workshops around the world teaching
International (HHI) local church and community leaders how to provide for
their nutritional needs. Our goal is to empower these
individuals to provide for themselves. By training people
living in underdeveloped regions, we seek to offer a more
long-term solution by giving them a hand up, instead of
just giving them a hand out. This initiative is enabling
community members to build an efficient agricultural
economy, creating opportunities for both economic and
spiritual development.
91 Consumers General nutrition N Promotes consumers' access to nutritious and safe food
International (CI) through advocating for better nutrition information and
labelling, recommend restrictions on marketing of junk
food.
MULTI-LATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS AND FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
92 International General nutrition N IMF aids poor countries through policy advice, technical
Monetary Fund assistance, financial support, and debt relief. It has offers
(IMF) countries assistance in the design and implementation
of such policy responses as tax and tariff changes or
transfer programmes with the aim to mitigate the impact
on the poor of high food and fuel prices. It has conducted a
comprehensive study of the macroeconomic consequences
of the food and fuel crisis.
93 World Bank (WBG) General nutrition N Povides project and sector financing to countries with loans
on near commercial and soft terms. Supports government
implementation of projects and policy reforms with
technical assistance from WB staff and consultants.
94 Inter-American General nutrition N Provides resources to aid countries in nutrition development

Development Bank projects.
(IDB)
41
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS / PLURILATERAL ORGANIZATIONS
95 United States General nutrition N Largest bilateral donor. Supporting country-

Agency for and Undernutrition owned programmes to address the root causes of
International undernutrition; Improving the potential of millions
Development of people through integrated investments in health,
(USAID) agriculture, and social protection; Helping countries build
the technical capacity to manage nutrition programmes
over the long term.
96 US Department of General nutrition Y The Team Nutrition is an initiative of the USDA Food
Agriculture (USDA) and Nutrition Service to support the Child Nutrition
Programmes through training and technical assistance
for foodservice, nutrition education for children and
their caregivers, and school and community support for
healthy eating and physical activity.
97 Centres for Disease General nutrition N CDC nutrition efforts support public health strategies and
Control and programmes that improve dietary quality, support healthy
Prevention (CDC) child development, and reduce chronic disease.
98 Department for General nutrition N Involved in multilateral projects with IFAD, IADB and WFP
International and Food security (e.g. through GAIN). Funds international development
Development (DFID) projects (e.g. Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT)),
and publishes research on food and nutrition. Also provide
humanitarian support.
99 Norwegian General nutrition N NORAD, as the Norwegian Government’s agency for

Development development cooperation strives to be a centre of
Agency (NORAD) excellence in matters relating to global health, poverty
and development. NORAD plays an important role in
monitoring and evaluation of Norwegian overseas
development and aid. NORAD will assist with advice
on effective monitoring of the White Paper on Global
Health, as well as tracking progress on the UN Millennium
Development Goals and other international targets.
NORAD has also an important role in communicating
evidence, knowledge and results to other government
authorities in Norway, collaborating partners and the
public at large.
100 Asia-Pacific Food security N The APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security (PPFS)
Economic was established in 2011 for strengthening public-private
Cooperation (APEC) cooperation to address food security issues in the region.
101 Technical Centre Food security N To advance food and nutritional security, increase prosperity
for Agricultural and and encourage sound natural resource management in
Rural Cooperation African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
(CTA)
102 Organisation for Food security N The OECD Development Assistance Committee’s (DAC)
Economic Co- work on Food Security is intended to help identify how
operation and its members can engage with partner governments and
Development other country-level stakeholders to strengthen and support
(OECD) national policies where these are weak or unsupportive of
critical resourcing and actions for food security.
42

nutrition (Y/N)
PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS
103 Bill & Melinda Gates General nutrition N Involved in multiple global nutrition programme, invests
Foundation (BMGF) and Food security in research and strengthen food system. Works with
following organizations— 1,000 Days, the Global Nutrition
Report, Save the Children, Scaling Up Nutrition, Global
Alliance for Improved Nutrition, HarvestPlus, Helen Keller
International, Alive & Thrive, Graça Machel Trust, and
Action Against Hunger.
104 The Rockefeller General nutrition N Involved in multiple global nutrition programme (GAIN
Foundation (TRF) and Food security is one of them), invests in research and strengthen food
system.
PRIVATE INDUSTRY
105 International General nutrition N Represents the interests of national and regional
Council of Grocery associations who collaborate with all sectors of
Manufacturer consumer packaged goods industry. Promotes the
Associations harmonization of scientific standards and policies
(ICGMA) concerned with health, safety, packaging, and labelling, of
foods, beverages and other consumer packaged goods.
106 Council for General nutrition Y CRN is the leading trade association representing dietary
Responsible supplement and functional food manufacturers and
Nutrition (CRN) ingredient suppliers. CRN companies produce a large
portion of the dietary supplements marketed in the
United States and globally. CRN represents more than
150 companies that manufacture dietary ingredients
and/or dietary supplements, or supply services to those
suppliers and manufacturers. Our member companies
are expected to comply with a host of federal and state
regulations governing dietary supplements in the areas of
manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety.
107 International Agri- Food Security Y The IAFN has been elected to coordinate the Private
Food Network Sector Mechanism (PSM) at the Committee on World
(IAFN) Food Security (CFS) in Rome. IAFN was formed in 1996
during the World Food Summit as an informal coalition
of international trade associations involved in the agri-
food sector at the global level. The network facilitates
liaison among the member organizations and engages
international organizations in the agri-food chain at a
global level.
108 Calorie Control General nutrition Y It represents manufacturers and suppliers of low-
Council (CCC) and reduced-calorie foods and beverages, including
manufacturers and suppliers of more than two dozen
different alternative sweeteners, fibers and other low-
calorie, dietary ingredients. The Council provides a forum
for its members to discuss and resolve issues and ensure
excellent cooperation among key internal and external
stakeholders internationally.
109 Danone General nutrition Y Established a Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition that
works closely with the scientific community to develop
evidence-based foods for special medical purposes.
43
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
PRIVATE INDUSTRY
110 Nestlé General nutrition Y The Nestlé Nutrition Council (independent advisory)
considers and advises our senior management team on
nutrition challenges and their potential impact to Nestlé’s
policies and strategy. It is instrumental in advising on and
challenging the reviews of our research programmes. It
also organizes the Annual Nestlé International Nutrition
Symposium. Signed the “Global Commitment to action
on the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and
Health”, a commitment addressed to the World Health
Organization.
111 Unilever General nutrition Y A supporter of the UN Global Goal of Zero Hunger and
and Undernutrition plays a role in addressing over- and undernutrition.
Ensures programme on nutrition responds to people’s
concerns and is aligned with guidance from public health
authorities. Signed the “Global Commitment to action
on the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and
Health”, a commitment addressed to the World Health
Organization.
112 Abbott Nutrition General nutrition Y Abbott Nutrition Health Institute helps healthcare
(ABBOTT) professionals around the world transform the science
of nutrition into effective solutions in every stage of life.
ANHI is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals
to improve patient outcomes and enhance the health of
people worldwide. Run courses and conferences, carry
out scientific collaborations.
113 Cargill General nutrition N Cargill is committed to nourishing the world’s growing
population while at the same time protecting the planet;
expanding access to food, improving nutrition and
pursuing partnerships to end hunger; advocating for
policies that let markets work and enable farmers to thrive;
and increasing agricultural productivity and incomes while
ensuring responsible use of natural resources.
Note: Together with Cargill and Bunge, they are the major
contracts to provide for U.S. food aid ships.
114 The Coca Cola General nutrition N Coca Cola helps to develop workable solutions to obesity
Company (COKE) and Overweight/ by partnering with governments, academia, health
Obesity organizations, communities, businesses and other
members of civil society. Signed the “Global Commitment
to action on the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity
and Health”, a commitment addressed to the World
Health Organization; Coca Cola made 6 commitments to
address obesity.
115 PepsiCo General nutrition N Signed the “Global Commitment to action on the
Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health”, a
commitment addressed to the World Health Organization
in 2008. In 2010, unveiled 11 global goals and
commitments (based on global nutrition criteria based
on recommendations contained in WHO/FAO’s technical
report 916, reports of Institutes of Medicine and the US
Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
44

nutrition (Y/N)
PRIVATE INDUSTRY
116 Archer Daniels Food security N ADM Alliance Nutrition (subsidiary of ADM) is committed
Midland (ADM) to the agricultural community, continually working to
make the cattle industry more efficient and profitable. To
achieve these goals, ADM Alliance Nutrition works closely
with universities, agribusiness, producers and other
major manufacturers within the beef industry.
Note: Together with Cargill and Bunge, they are the
major contracts to provide for U.S. food aid ships. It is a
publicly traded firm.
117 Monsanto General nutrition N Monsanto is committed towards providing assistance

for development and impact on livelihoods of farmers
and farm families by providing support for farm
infrastructure, access to water and water conservation,
and support efforts in improving rural productivity and
building market linkages, bringing in sustainability across
the agricultural system. They are committed to working
towards improving lives of the rural communities with our
programmes in the health and nutrition space (especially
India).
Has 2 spearhead programmes: Sustainable Harvests
– Agriculture, Resources & Environment (SHARE) and
(DISHA - Health, Nutrition and Education areas focused
on women and children in the rural communities).
118 Kellogg Company General nutrition N Signed the “Global Commitment to action on the
(KELLOGG) Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health”, a
commitment addressed to the World Health Organization.
Works with organizations — such as World Health
Organization, International Food and Beverage Alliance
and International Life Sciences Institute — to enhance
nutrition education and develop solutions to critical
nutritional issues. Also committed to provide nutrition
education through on-pack labelling and website content
as well as by engaging with consumer groups and
hosting various continuing education programmes and
symposiums for health care professionals.
119 Campbell General nutrition N Campbell is a charter participant in the Children’s Food
and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), an initiative
launched in 2006 by Council of Better Business Bureaus
and ten food manufacturers to shift the mix of advertising
primarily directed to children to encourage healthier
dietary choices and healthy lifestyles. Campbell supports
sodium-reduction initiatives and nutrient-based labelling
(Facts Up Front). As part of their Corporate Social
responsibility, they will advance global wellness and
nutrition, help build a more sustainable environment, and
honour their role in society from the farm to the family.
45
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES
120 Alliance Against Undernutrition Y The Alliance works at global level to promote national-
Hunger and level policy dialogue, the National Alliances work within
Malnutrition (AAHM) their countries to bring together civil society, the private
sector and governments to build political will, all aimed
at reducing hunger and malnutrition. It serves as a
vehicle for joint advocacy at international and national
levels towards a world free from hunger, malnutrition and
poverty.
121 New Alliance for Food security Y To establish a public private partnership between
Food Security and governments, private sector and international donors and
Nutrition (NAFSN) multilateral agencies with aims to increase domestic and
foreign private investment in African agriculture. Aims to
achieve sustained and inclusive agricultural growth and
raise 50 million people out of poverty over the next ten
years.
122 Food Fortification Micronutrient Y improves vitamin and mineral nutrition by advocating
Initiative (FFI) deficiency for and support fortification of industrially milled cereal
grains by collaborating with multi-sector partners. FFI
involves a network of public and private organizations
working together to add micronutrients to flour as part of
a solution to vitamin and mineral deficiency around the
world.
123 UNEP/FAO Food security Y Objective of SFSP is to spearhead efforts to improve

Sustainable Food resource use efficiency and reduce the pollution intensity
System Programme of food systems from production to consumption, while
(SFSP) at the same time addressing issues of food and nutrition
security. Involved in UN Global Nutrition Agenda.
124 Global Alliance for Undernutrition, Y GAIN is an NGO but uses PPP to implement programmes
Improved Nutrition micronutrient supporting sustainable food fortification on staple
(GAIN) deficiency food, multinutrient supplements, nutritious foods for
mothers and children, and enhancement of the nutritional
content of agriculture products. It also focuses on
providing incentives to the private sector to develop
low-cost fortified complementary foods for low-income
populations and developing a global micronutrient
procurement fund aimed at improving the supply and
reducing the costs of high quality vitamins and minerals
for use in supplementation and fortification programmes.
125 Nutrition for Growth Undernutrition Y N4G is led by a partnership between the UK, Brazil
(N4G) (stunting and and Japan government and championed by leading
wasting) philanthropic foundations and civil society organizations.
46

nutrition (Y/N)
PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES
126 International Health IHP+ is a group of partners committed to improving the

Partnership and health of citizens in developing countries. Partners work
Related Initiatives together to put international principles for development
(IHP+) cooperation into practice in the health sector. This global
initiative is administered by the World Health Organization
and the World Bank.
IHP+ aims to foster inter-agency cooperation rather
than competition, reduce transaction costs, improve
aid effectiveness, improve predictability of aid, increase
government and development partner resources to the
healthier sector, create knowledge and improve knowledge
sharing across countries and development partners.
127 The Partnership for General nutrition N It provides a platform for organizations (more than 700 in
Maternal, Newborn 77 countries) to align objectives, strategies and resources,
& Child Health and agree on interventions to improve maternal, newborn,
(PMNCH) child and adolescent health. It has a vital mandate to
engage, align and hold accountable multi-stakeholder
action to improve the health and well-being of women,
newborns, children and adolescents, everywhere.
128 Safe Supply of Food security Y SSAFE represents a partnership between global food
Affordable Food system companies, international NGOs, intergovernmental
Everywhere (SSAFE) organizations and academia. Through their vision of 'All
people will have access to safe, nutritious and affordable
food', their focus is to strengthen animal health services to
enhance food security.
129 Scaling Up Nutrition General nutrition Y A platform to bring governments and other entities
Movement (SUN) together to drive action to improve nutrition at the national
and global levels. Includes five Networks (Country,
Business, Civil Society, Development Partners, and the UN
System), operating at country and global level, primarily to
support country-level action.
130 Food and Nutrition General nutrition Y The project work to improve the health and well-being
Technical and Food security of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities in
Assistance III developing countries by strengthening food security and
Project (FANTA) nutrition policies, programmes, and systems. It provides
comprehensive technical support to USAID and its
partners, including host country governments, international
organizations, and non-governmental organizations at both
the country and global levels by supporting the design and
implementation of programmes in focus countries, and
building on field experience to strengthen the evidence
base, methods, and global standards for food security and
nutrition programming.
131 Global Environment Food security N Has a programme that focuses on safeguarding the natural
Facility (GEF) resources — land, water, soils, trees and genetic resources
— that underpin food and nutrition security. The programme
foster long-term sustainability and resilience for food
security by reducing land degradation and biodiversity loss,
recovering natural vegetation and increasing soil carbon.
47
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
132 Academy of General nutrition Y The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a worldwide

Breastfeeding organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion,
Medicine (ABM) protection and support of breastfeeding and human
lactation.
133 International Food Undernutrition Y To improve the understanding of national agricultural

Policy Research and food policies to promote the adoption of innovations
Institute (IFPRI) in agricultural technology through research. Carries
out food policy research and disseminates it through
hundreds of publications, bulletins, conferences and
other initiatives. Part of CGIAR.
134 Transform Nutrition Undernutrition Y To help stakeholders in the most-affected countries –

(TRN) policy-makers, civil society and business leaders – to use
quality research to address undernutrition.
135 Famine Early Food security Y FEWS is a leading provider of early warning and analysis
Warning Systems on acute food insecurity. It provides objective, evidence-
Network (FEWS) based analysis to help government decision-makers and
relief agencies plan for and respond to humanitarian
crises.
136 Consultative Group Food security Y A global research partnership for a food-secure future,
on International with focus on the science to reduce poverty, enhancing
Agricultural food and nutrition security, and improving natural
Research (CGIAR) resources and ecosystem services.
137 Harvest Plus (HPL) Food security Y HarvestPlus develops and scales up the delivery of
biofortified nutritious crops around the world to improve
food security by actively adding micronutrients to the
diets of those who are deficient. With their partners, they
develop new, more nutritious varieties of staple food
crops that provide higher amounts of vitamin A, iron, or
zinc—the three micronutrients identified by the WHO as
most lacking in diets globally.
Part of CGIAR Research Programme on Agriculture for
Nutrition and Health (A4NH).
138 World Public General nutrition Y To bring together people with a common interest in
Health Nutrition promoting and improving public health nutrition and
Association to be a professional voice for public health nutrition
(WPHNA) internationally.
139 International Food General nutrition Y IFIC is dedicated to the mission of effectively
Information Council communicating science-based information on health,
Foundation (IFIC) nutrition and food safety for the public good. They also
commission primary research on public opinion about
food safety, nutrition and health and share the results with
stakeholders and the public.
48

nutrition (Y/N)
140 International General nutrition Y INF aims to build capacity in developing country
Nutrition individuals and institutions in the areas of nutrition
Foundation (INF) research, policy and programmeing so they can
effectively address issues of food, nutrition and hunger in
their countries. They accomplish this through disbursing
fellowships for nutrition education, communicating
nutrition research, policy and programmeing, and
conducting nutrition research.
141 International Diet-related NCDs Y International collaboration in cancer research, translates

Agency for research into policies for cancer control.
Research on Cancer
(IARC)
142 International Life General nutrition Y To improve public health and well-being by engaging
Sciences Institute academic, government, and industry scientists to
(ILSI) advance scientific understanding in 4 thematic areas:
food and water safety; toxicology and risk assessment;
nutrition and health; and agricultural sustainability and
nutrition security.
143 International Union General nutrition Y To promote advancement in nutrition science, research
of Nutritional and development through international cooperation
Sciences (IUNS) at the global level. To encourage communication and
collaboration among nutrition scientists as well as to
disseminate information in nutritional sciences through
modern communication technology.
144 Global Nutrition General nutrition Y The report provides an independent and annual review of
Report (GNP) the state of the world’s nutrition. The latest 2016 GNR is
in its third year and focuses on the made toward recent
nutrition-related global commitments and identifies
opportunities for action to end malnutrition in all its
forms by 2030.
145 World Cancer Diet-related NCDs Y World’s leading authority on the link between diet, weight,
Research Fund physical activity and cancer.
International
(WCRFI)
146 Diabetes Action Diet-related NCDs Y The foundation is committed to the prevention and
Research and treatment of diabetes and to the funding of innovative,
Education promising research aimed at finding a cure for diabetes
Foundation and diabetes related complications. It awards grants on
(DACREF) nutritional research.
147 Global Panel on General nutrition Y The Global Panel is an independent group of influential
Agriculture and and Food security experts with a commitment to tackling global challenges
Food Systems for in food and nutrition security. The Global Panel conduct
Nutrition (GPAFSN) research on how changes in agriculture and food
system can improve nutrition, create and promote a
new understanding of the role and future potential of
agriculture and food systems in improving nutrition, catalyze
collaboration in agriculture and food systems that will
improve diets and nutrition outcomes for all.
49
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
148 International Panel General nutrition Y The IPES brings together expert voices of
of Experts on and Food security transdisciplinary initiative to inform the policy debate
Sustainable Food on how to reform food systems across the world. IPS
System (IPES) engages in issues of undernutrition, obesity, rural
livelihood insecurity and environmental degradation
through an integrated food systems lens, bringing to light
the interconnections, power imbalances, political lock-ins
and potential levers for change at the systems level.
149 EAT Initiative (EAT) General nutrition Y EAT stimulates interdisciplinary research by fostering
and Food security collaboration across the multiple scientific disciplines
interfacing with food issues in order to improve nutrition
and food safety, tackle global health and environmental
challenges such as the epidemics of obesity and non-
communicable diseases, climate change and degradation
of ecosystems. One of the initiative’s long-term foci is
to develop an integrated and holistic set of practical
guidelines for consumers and the private sector on
healthy and sustainable diets, accounting for impacts
from field to fork.
150 Centre for Food security N CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences
Agriculture International) is an international not-for-profit
and Bioscience organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by
International (CABI) providing information and applying scientific expertise to
solve problems in agriculture and the environment.
151 Institute of General nutrition N IDS is a leading global institution for development
Development research, teaching and learning, and impact and
Studies (IDS) communications, based at the University of Sussex.
The Health and Nutrition Cluster pursues programmes
of research and policy engagement on health systems,
nutrition and understandings of zoonotic diseases. The
focus is on bringing a critical social science perspective to
how people, especially the poor, address their health and
nutrition-related needs and on how governments and other
groups influence the performance of these sectors.
152 The Lancet General nutrition N A peer-reviewed journal, it publishes nutritional series
(LANCET) such as Nutrition and Metabolism, and Maternal and
child undernutrition.
153 Sight and Life (SAL) Undernutrition N Sight and Life is a humanitarian nutrition think tank
and micronutrient working toward a world free of malnutrition. They
deficiency champion the global fight against malnutrition by
advancing research, sharing best practices, and
mobilizing support.
154 Centre for Global General nutrition N The centre works to change the policies and practices of
Development (CGD) rich countries and powerful institutions to reduce global
poverty and inequality. They are a policy crucible, where
world class scholars use independent, rigorous research
to develop new knowledge and practical solutions.
50

nutrition (Y/N)
155 Electronic General nutrition N Their Nutrition Resource Guide provides access to
Development and Undernutrition relevant, diverse and credible research and resources on
and Environment nutrition. It focuses on the causes and consequences of
Information System malnutrition; nutrition-specific interventions; nutrition-
(ELDIS) sensitive interventions; and the political economy of
undernutrition. It aims to inform those seeking to bring
critical perspectives from development to the heart of the
debates on nutrition.
156 Abt Associates General nutrition N Their work has spanned virtually every feeding and nutrition
(ABT) programme implemented by the Food and Nutrition Service.
It covers all aspects of programme delivery and impact.
Their experiences in family health allows us to combine
rigorous research with creative solutions to both produce
and promote consumption of safe and healthy food. Their
initiatives also promote sustainable farming technologies,
crop diversification, and micronutrient fortification of staple
goods such as rice, flour and vegetable oil.
157 John Snow INC General nutrition N JSI is committed to empowering people, especially
(JSI) women and health care workers, in essential nutrition and
hygiene actions in support of Sustainable Development
Goal 3 of significantly reducing maternal and child
mortality. JSI is involved in several international projects
(Eg SPRING) in improving nutrition status of vulnerable
population and addressing undernutrition issues.
158 International Centre Food security N ICRW's mission is to empower women, advance gender
for Research on equality and fight poverty in the developing world. To
Women (ICRW) accomplish this, ICRW works with partners to conduct
empirical research, build capacity and advocate for
evidence-based, practical ways to change policies and
programmes.
159 World watch Food security N Worldwatch's Food & Agriculture programme highlights
Institute (WWI) the benefits to farmers, consumers, and ecosystems that
can flow from food systems that are flexible enough to
deal with shifting weather patterns, productive enough to
meet the needs of expanding populations, and accessible
enough to support rural communities.
160 International Centre Food security N Much of ICARDA’s work is about improving nutrition – a
for Agricultural strong and sustained supply of nutritious and affordable
Research in the Dry food is, after all, the key to food and nutritional security for
Areas (ICARDA) billions living in the developing world.
161 International Food security N The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works
Livestock research to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing
Institute (ILRI) countries through research for better and more sustainable
use of livestock.
51
Discussion Paper

nutrition (Y/N)
162 International Rice Food security N IRRI aims to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the
Research Institute health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure
(IRRI) environmental sustainability of rice farming. We do these
through collaborative research, partnerships, and the
strengthening of the national agricultural research and
extension systems, or NARES, of the countries we work in.
163 International crops General nutrition N ICRISAT is an international non-profit organization that
research institute undertakes scientific research for development to reduce
for the semi-arid poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation
tropics (ICRISAT) in the dryland tropics.
They provide better farming technologies and techniques,
help bring diversity and highly nutritious food into the
farms and diets of the rural people.
164 Biodiversity General nutrition N Biodiversity International is a leading research-for-

International (BIO) development organization dedicated to the use and
conservation of forest and agricultural diversity to
combat poverty and malnutrition and to enhance the
sustainability. Biodiversity International is part of the
CGIAR system and its marketing and nutrition work
contributes to the CGIAR research programme (CRP)
on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) as well
as other research programmes including the different
system research programmes.
165 Oxford Policy General nutrition N OPM enables strategic decision-makers to design and
Management (OPM) implement sustainable solutions for reducing social
and economic disadvantage in low- and middle-income
countries. OPM design, implement and evaluate
adaptation food and nutrition policies and programmes;
involved in nutrition research (including programme
evaluation).
166 Governance and Food security N GSDRC is a partnership of research institutes, think-tanks
Social Development and consultancy organizations. We provide bespoke
Resource Centre research and consultancy services in addition to the
(GSDRC) regularly updated information resources available on this
website.
167 Institute of Food General nutrition N To advance the science of food and its application across
Technologists (IFT) the global food system by establishing productive and
interactive global networks; promoting science of food,
technology and their application; and contribute evidence-
based science to the public dialogue on food issue.
52
References
1. UNSCN. Strategic Plan 2016-2020. Rome: United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition, 2016.
2. Smith G. Barthes on Jamie: Myth and the TV revolutionary. Journal of Media Practice 2012; 13(1): 3-17.
3. IFPRI. Global Nutrition Report 2015. Washington DC: International Food Policy Research Institute, 2015.
4. Martins VJB, Florencio TMMT, Grillo LP, et al. Long-Lasting Effects of Undernutrition. Int J Environ Res Public
Health 2011; 8(6): 1817-46.
5. Black MM. Micronutrient Deficiencies and Cognitive Functioning. The Journal of Nutrition 2003; 133(11):
3927S-31S.
6. Viteri FE, Gonzalez H. Adverse outcomes of poor micronutrient status in childhood and adolescence. Nutr Rev
2002; 60(5 Pt 2): S77-83.
7. Bhutta ZA, Salam RA, Das JK. Meeting the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition in the developing world.
Br Med Bull 2013; 106: 7-17.
8. Gibson RS. Strategies for preventing multi-micronutrient deficiencies: A review of experiences with food-based
approaches in developing countries. Rome: CAB International and FAO, 2011.
9. Saunders J, Smith T. Malnutrition: causes and consequences. Clinical Medicine 2010; 10(6): 624-7.
10. Victora CG, Adair L, Fall C, et al. Maternal and child undernutrition: consequences for adult health and human
capital. The Lancet 2008; 371(9609): 340-57.
11. Black RE, Victora CG, Walker SP, et al. Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and
middle-income countries. The Lancet 2013; 382(9890): 427-51.
12. Popkin BM, Adair LS, Ng SW. Global nutrition transition and the pandemic of obesity in developing countries.
Nutr Rev 2012; 70(1): 3-21.
13. Lim SS, Vos T, Flaxman AD, et al. A comparative risk assessment of burden of disease and injury attributable
to 67 risk factors and risk factor clusters in 21 regions, 1990-2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden
of Disease Study 2010. Lancet 2012; 380(9859): 2224-60.
14. Popkin B. Global nutrition dynamics: the world is shifting rapidly toward a diet linked with non-communicable
diseases. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84: 289 - 98.
15. Wang H, Naghavi M, Allen C, et al. Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-
specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 1980-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease
Study 2015. The Lancet 2016; 388(10053): 1459-544.
53
Discussion Paper
16. Popkin B. The nutrition transition: an overview of world patterns of change. Nutr Rev 2004; 62(7 Pt2): 140-3.
17. Guh DP, Wei Z, Bansback N, Amarsi Z, Birmingham CL, Anis AH. The incidence of co-morbidities related to obesity
and overweight: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2009; 9(88): doi:10.1186/471-2458-
9-88.
18. Sen A. Development as Freedom. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc; 1999.
19. Friel S, Ford L. Systems, food security and human health. Food Sec 2015; 7(2): 437-51.
20. Friel S, Hattersley L, Ford L, O’Rourke K. Addressing inequities in healthy eating. Health Promotion International
2015; 30(suppl 2): ii77-ii88.
21. Burns C. A review of the literature describing the link between poverty, food insecurity and obesity with
specific reference to Australia. Melbourne: VicHealth, 2004.
22. Pampel FC, Krueger PM, Denney JT. Socioeconomic Disparities in Health Behaviors. Annu Rev Sociol 2010;
36: 349-70.
23. UNICEF. Strategy for Improving Nutrition of Children and Women in Developing Countries. New York: UNICEF,
1990.
24. Smith LC, Haddad L. Reducing Child Undernutrition: Past Drivers and Priorities for the Post-MDG Era. World
Development 2015; 68: 180-204.
25. Hawkes C, Chopra M, Friel S. Globalization, trade and the nutrition transition. In: Labonte R, Schrecker T,
Packer C, Runnels V, eds. Globalization and health: Pathways, evidence and policy. New York: Routledge; 2009:
235-62.
26. Ghosh J. The Unnatural Coupling: Food and Global Finance. Journal of Agrarian Change 2010; 10(1): 72-86.
27. Clapp J, Desmarais A, Margulis M. State of the world food system. Canadian Food Studies/La Revue canadienne
des études sur l’alimentation 2015; 2(2): 7-8.
28. Thow A, Snowdon W, Labonté R, et al. Will the next generation of preferential trade and investment agreements
undermine prevention of non-communicable diseases? A prospective policy analysis of the Trans Pacific
Partnership Agreement. Health Policy 2015; 119(1): 88-96.
29. Stuckler D, Nestle M. Big food, food systems, and global health. PLoS Med 2012; 9(6): e1001242.
30. Wahlqvist ML, McKay J, Chang Y-C, Chiu Y-W. Rethinking the food security debate in Asia: some missing
ecological and health dimensions and solutions. Food Sec 2012; 4(4): 657-70.
31. Friel S, Marmot M, McMichael AJ, Kjellstrom T, Vågerö D. Global health equity and climate stabilisation: a
common agenda. Lancet 2008; 372(9650): 1677-83.
54
32. McMichael AJ. Integrating nutrition with ecology: balancing the health of humans and biosphere. Public health
nutrition 2005; 8(6A): 706-15.
33. Garnett T. Where are the best opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food system
(including the food chain)? Food Policy 2011; 36(S1): S23-S32.
34. Sheeran J. The challenge of hunger. Lancet 2008; 371: 180-1.
35. World Bank. World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change. Washington DC: World Bank,
2010.
36. IPCC. Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working
Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge, United
Kingdom and New York, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
37. IPCC Working Group II. IPCC 2014: Summary for Policymakers. In: Field CB, V.R. Barros, D.J. Dokken, et
al., eds. Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects
Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press; 2014: 1-32.
38. McMichael A, Butler C, Weaver H. Climate change and AIDS: a joint working paper. Kenya: UNEP & UNAIDS,
2008.
39. Berry HL, Hogan A, Owen J, Rickwood D, Fragar L. Climate Change and Farmers’ Mental Health: Risks and
Responses. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health 2011; 23(2 suppl): 119S-32S.
40. James S, Friel S. An integrated approach to identifying and characterising resilient urban food systems to
promote population health in a changing climate. Public Health Nutrition 2015.
41. IFPRI. Global Nutrition Report 2016: From Promise to Impact: Ending Malnutrition by 2030. Washington DC:
International Food Policy Research Institute, 2016.
42. WHO, FAO. Rome Declaration on Nutrition: Second International Conference on Nutrition, 19-21 November
2014. Rome: World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization 2014.
43. ICN2 Conference Outcome Document: Framework for Action, available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-mm215e.pdf
44.UN General Assembly Resolution 70/259, available at: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.

asp?symbol=A/70/L.42
45. Black RE, Alderman H, Bhutta ZA, et al. Maternal and child nutrition: building momentum for impact. The
Lancet 2013; 382(9890): 372-5.
46. Ruel, M.T., Alderman, H. and the Maternal and Child Nutrition Study Group. 2013. Nutrition-sensitive
interventions and programmes: how can they help to accelerate progress in improving maternal and child
nutrition? The Lancet - 6 June 2013. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60843-0.
55
Discussion Paper
47. UN Network for SUN/REACH Secretariat. Compendium of Actions for Nutrition. World Food Programmeme.2016.
48. UNSCN. SCN News: Landscape analysis on countries’ readiness to accelerate action in nutrition. Geneva:
United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition, 2009.
49. Frenk J, Moon S. Governance challenges in global health. New England Journal of Medicine 2013; 368(10):
936-42.
50. Longhurst R. Global Leadership for Nutrition: The UN’s Standing Committee on Nutrition (SCN) and its
Contributions. IDS Discussion Paper 390. Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, 2010.
51. Black RE, Allen LH, Bhutta ZA, et al. Maternal and child undernutrition: global and regional exposures and
health consequences. The Lancet 2008; 371(9608): 243-60.
52. Hoffman SJ, Cole CB, Pearcey M, Royal Institute of International A. Mapping global health architecture to
inform the future. 2015.
56
List of abbreviations
AAH Action Against Hunger International
AAHM Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition
AAT Alive & Thrive
ABBOTT Abbott Nutrition
ABM Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
ABT Abt Associates
ACTAID ActionAid
ADM Archer Daniels Midland
AFSC Aid for Starving Children
ANTF Access to Nutrition Foundation
APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
ATEH Alliance to End Hunger
BIO Biodiversity International
BMGF Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
BREAD Bread for the World
CABI Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International
CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere
CARITAS Caritas Internationalis
CCC Calorie Control Council
CDC Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
CEB United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination
CFS Committee on World Food Security
CGD Centre for Global Development
CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
CHC Congressional Hunger Centre
57
Discussion Paper
CHRF Children’s Hunger Relief Fund
CI Consumers International
CODEX CODEX Alimentarius
COH Convoy of Hope
COKE The Coca Cola Company
CONC CONCERN Worldwide US
CRN Council for Responsible Nutrition
CSM Civil Society Mechanism
CTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
DACREF Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation
DFID Department for International Development
EAT EAT Initiative
ECOSOC Economic and Social Council
ELDIS Electronic Development and Environment Information System
ENN Emergency Nutrition Network
FAC Food Assistance Convention
FANTA Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III Project
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FCF Family care Foundation
FEWS Famine Early Warning Systems Network
FFH Freedom from Hunger
FFI Food Fortification Initiative
FFTH Food For The Hungry
FFTP Food For The Poor
FIAN Food First Information and Action Network
FSC Food Security Cluster
FTC Feed the Children
GAIN Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
58
GDPRD Global Donor Platform for Rural Development
GEF Global Environment Facility
GNC Inter-Agency Standing Committee Global Nutrition Cluster
GNP Global Nutrition Report
GPAFSN Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition
GSDRC Governance and Social Development Resource Centre
HEART Health and Education Advice and Resource Team
HEIFER Heifer International
HHI Healing Hands International
HKI Helen Keller International
HLPE High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition
HLPF High Level Political Forum
HLTF High Level Task Force on Global Food and Nutrition Security
HPL Harvest Plus
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
IAFN International Agri-Food Network
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer
IATF Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases
IBFAN International Baby Food Action Network
ICAN International Coalition for Advocacy on Nutrition
ICARDA International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
ICGMA International Council of Grocery Manufacturer Associations
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for The Semi-Arid Tropics
ICRW International Centre for Research on Women
ICTSD International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IDF International Diabetes Federation
IDS Institute of Development Studies
59
Discussion Paper
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFIC International Food Information Council Foundation
IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
IFT Institute of Food Technologists
IGN Iodine Global Network
IHP+ International Health Partnership and Related Initiatives
IISD International Institute for Sustainable Development
ILCA International Lactation Consultant Association
ILO International Labor Organization
ILRI International Livestock research Institute
ILSI International Life Sciences Institute
IMF International Monetary Fund
INF International Nutrition Foundation
INFOSAN International Food Safety Authorities Network
INTACT InterAction
IPC International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty
IPES International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food System
IRRI International Rice Research Institute
ISPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification
IUNS International Union of Nutritional Sciences
JSI John Snow INC
LMICs Low and middle income countries
MCC Mennonite Central Committee
MI Micronutrient Initiative
MTI Medical Team International
N4G Nutrition for Growth
NAFSN New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition
60
NCDA NCD Alliance
NCDs Non-communicable diseases
NGOs Non-government organizations
NORAD Norwegian Development Agency
OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
OHCHR Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights
OPM Oxford Policy Management
OXFAM Oxfam International
PATH Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health
PLAN PLAN International
PMNCH The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health
PRACTA Practical Action
PSM Private Sector Mechanism
REACH Renewed Efforts Against Child Hunger and Undernutrition
RELIEF Relief International
SAL Sight and Life
SCN Standing Committee on Nutrition
SFSP Sustainable Food System Programme
SHN Stop Hunger Now
SPRING Strengthening Partnerships, Result and Innovations in Nutrition Globally
SSAFE Safe Supply of Affordable Food Everywhere
STC Save the Children
SUN Scaling Up Nutrition Movement
THDYS Thousand Days
THP The Hunger Project
TRF The Rockefeller Foundation
TSA The Salvation Army International
61
Discussion Paper
UICC International Union Against Cancer
UN United Nations
UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNCDF United Nations Capital Development Fund
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNDESA United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UNGA United Nations General Assembly
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNW United Nations Women
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
WABA World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
WBG World Bank
WCRFI World Cancer Research Fund International
WFP World Food Programme
WHF World Heart Federation
WHO World Health Organization
WME World Missionary Evangelism
WO World Obesity
WPHNA World Public Health Nutrition Association
WTO World Trade Organization
WVI World Vision International
WWI World Watch Institute
62
Photo credits
Cover: UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Page 5: UN Photo/Mark Garten
Page 8: UN Photo/JC McIlwaine
Page 17: FAO/Alessandra Benedetti
Page 18: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Page 21: FAO/Giulio Napolitano
Page 23: FAO/Giulio Napolitano
Page 25: UN Photo/Manuel Elias
EN Discussion Paper
UNSCN vision
A world free from hunger and all forms of malnutrition is attainable in this generation
UNSCN Secretariat
E-mail: [email protected] • Internet: www.unscn.org • c/o FAO • Viale delle Terme di Caracalla • 00153 Rome, Italy
UNSCN

GovernPaper en WEB

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GovernPaper en WEB

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GovernPaper en WEB

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

EN Discussion Paper

Global Governance for Nutrition

UNSCN March 2017

United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition

Global Governance for Nutrition

UNSCN March 2017

United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition

The paper is available on the UNSCN website at www.unscn.org.

Appendix 1. Research methods 27

Box 1. UNSCN functions, 2016-20201

Aims and objectives

The specific objectives of the paper are to:

3. Illustrate governance challenges: Describe main nutrition governance challenges.

1. The malnutrition challenge

1.2. The causes of malnutrition in all its forms

Prevention of infection, Realization of full potential, e.g.,

Positive nutrition outcomes: Prevention of Nutrition

Health behavior (e.g., Biological factors

Food environment (e.g., Social environment Health environment

Enabling environment for nutrition improvement

1.3. Political impetus for action

2. Key actors in global nutrition

2.1. Who is involved

Civil society and non-government organizations 19 44 56

Multilateral development banks / financial institutions 2 3 3

National governments / plurilateral organizations* 3 6 8

Public-private partnerships / multi-stakeholder initiatives 10 5 12

Research institutions, networks and associations 12 29 36

Total 83 118 167

These roles are reflected in UNSCN’s 2016-2020 Strategic Objectives, as follows:

i) Maximize UN policy coherencei and advocacy on nutrition

ii This is not the case with the CFS.

3. Three nutrition governance challenges

3.1. Crossing sectors

3.2. Whose responsibility

4. Going forward for UNSCN

• Existence of an intersectoral mechanism to address nutrition: The role of an intersectoral coordinating

4.1. Role 1: Enhance coherence

• Reframe the discourse: Nutrition governance versus Governance for nutrition

• Bridging the worlds of malnutrition

• Advocate for intersectoral action

4.2. Role 2: Stewardship

• Establish legitimacy and voice at the highest level of the UN

• A continual improvement learning system

4.3. Role 3: Evidence and accountability

• Monitor and improve the accountability framework

Appendix 1. Research methods

3 International Fund Food security Y A specialized UN agency and International Financial

No. Actor Nutrition focus Explicit mandate Role

8 Committee on Food security Y PLATFORM: Vision is to be the most inclusive international

Civil Society Mechanism (CSM): part of the CFS, it is the

Private Sector Mechanism (PSM): part of the CFS, an open

High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition

9 Renewed Efforts Undernutrition Y PLATFORM: Aims to reduce maternal and child

10 Inter-Agency Diet-related NCDs Y PLATFORM: Coordinates the activities of relevant UN

No. Actor Nutrition focus Explicit mandate Role

13 FAO/WHO Food security Y PLATFORM: To prevent the spread of contaminated

No. Actor Nutrition focus Explicit mandate Role

16 Food Assistance Undernutrition Y INSTRUMENT: An international development treaty

The IPC was originally developed for use in Somalia by