G20 finally puts nutrition on its plate, but fast delivery needed for vulnerable children

LOS CABOS, Mexico, June 19, 2012 /CNW/ - As the G20 wraps up in Mexico today, World Vision's food security expert, Sheri Arnott, says:

"As the Los Cabos Summit concludes today, children and families living in poverty can know their voices have finally made it to the table as a whisper—thanks to Canada's leadership on food security and nutrition. A clear example of this was the new AgResults initiative announced by Canada, the UK and Australia. It's critical that the G20 affirmed commitments to work with developing countries on meeting and moving beyond the MDGs and has not allowed the Eurozone crisis to eclipse their commitment to building a better future for the world's poor.

Nutrition figured prominently in the G20 development agenda and this was so critical in addressing the chronic malnutrition that leaves 170 million children stunted each year. The G20's support for the UN's Scaling Up Nutrition movement makes us hopeful the world can dramatically reduce child deaths and stunting. The leaders have made a strong commitment this week to make sure this will move beyond vague promises to action by agreeing to an accountability process for development results. This set of checks and balances sends a clear message that saving the lives of poor children are starting to matter to the G20.

The G20's efforts—through Canada's leadership—to improve agriculture and food security have the potential to result in concrete improvements for the people who most need these solutions. We implore the G20 to measure their results by the impact it has on small-holder farmers, especially women. But, we know that simply increasing productivity doesn't automatically ensure the benefits are reaching families, so nutrition-specific interventions are critical for reducing chronic malnutrition. Reducing child malnutrition rates is one of the best ways the G20 can ensure programs are reaching the poorest households.

This has been the most inclusive and transparent G20 process that World Vision has experienced and we call on Russia's leadership in 2013 to build on a commitment to engage and incorporate civil society in G20 deliberations and summits."

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Media contact in Los Cabos:
Tiffany Baggetta, World Vision Canada
416-305-9612
[email protected]