FAO/ WHO Multi-stakeholder Policy Workshop: Leveraging food systems to combat obesity in the Near East and North Africa region. Draft report

FAO/ WHO Multi-stakeholder Policy Workshop: Leveraging food systems to combat obesity in the Near East and North Africa region. Draft report

23-24 September 2019, Cairo, Egypt

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 35 p.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Document

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) A food systems approach is acknowledged to be key to efforts to combat obesity and eliminate other forms of malnutrition in the countries of FAO’s Near East and North Africa Region (NENA) and WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. A two-day regional multi-stakeholder consultation workshop, entitled Leveraging Food Systems to Combat Obesity in the Near East and North Africa Region, held in Cairo on 23-24 September 2019, brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss food systems for healthy and sustainable diets. The workshop identified a series of conclusions and recommendations, with a strong emphasis on the need for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approaches. It is also clear that close cooperation and networking between Member States is important, in collaboration with FAO, WHO and UNICEF and other international partner organizations. Robust policy responses, many of which have already been agreed internationally, are needed to transform food systems, create healthy food environments and ensure access to healthy, sustainable diets for all. The UN Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016 - 2025 presents a key opportunity to focus political attention on these efforts. Key challenges that were identified include a lack of leadership and of coordination, undue influence of vested interests, difficulties in convincing other sectors and actors of their relevance and/or role, a lack of infrastructure and investment, as well as addressing long-term health challenges in a crisis context. Support needs expressed included support to develop clear argumentation on the social and economic case for action and technical support from FAO/WHO to help countries

Language English

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