Los Cabos, Mexico 

Leading NGOs including Experts from InterAction, CAFOD, Bond, ActionAid, Oxfam, Save the Children, GCAP South Korea, Partnership for Maternal and Newborn and Child Health, and World Vision held a media briefing Monday at 9:30 am. outlining their priorities for the G20 agenda for ensuring the G20’s approach to growth is inclusive and sustainable, and addresses food security & nutrition.

World Vision Vice-President for Advocacy Adam Taylor said “The G20 is evolving, and we are pleased that nutrition is being mentioned alongside food security, but the true test of progress will be whether a clear nutrition plan with measurable goals is established. When the 20 countries with the strongest economies possess 42% of the world’s malnourished children, their leaders not only have a moral responsibility to act but also must recognize that it’s crucial for stimulating economic growth. Solving this issue is a true test of our shared humanity and is key to our collective prosperity.”

President Calderon has made a significant effort to keep food security high on the G20 agenda; however the G20’s approach has focused almost entirely on increasing agricultural production rather than also prioritizing nutrition-specific programs. Nutrition for children is a key component of food security and it will contribute directly to economic growth. Clear steps for tackling this must be taken for this Summit to be successful.

The G20 is rightly concerned with restoring global economic stability, but as they address global food security in those economic discussions, nutrition must be included. Studies show that investments in nutrition can lead to an estimated 2-3% growth rate in developing countries. That’s a strong case for scaling up nutrition and ensuring that children are given the best start in life, especially in light of the urgent need to stimulate economic growth.