Paris Declaration 2030 calls for overhaul of global nutrition economy

Addressing malnutrition through a multi-sectoral approach

The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Paris Peace Forum unveiled the Paris Declaration on Business & Nutrition 2030 on Wednesday ahead of the Paris Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit.

Ahead of the Paris Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, the Paris Declaration on Business & Nutrition 2030 was launched on Wednesday by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Paris Peace Forum, calling for a multi-sectoral approach to reshape the nutrition economy.

In a press statement, Paris Peace Forum says that the declaration calls for a multi-sectoral approach to address malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.

It adds that the initiative aims to reshape the global nutrition economy through measurable commitments across governments, investors, businesses, and non-profits. It emphasises the role of stakeholders in reforming food systems and ensuring business transparency in nutrition commitments.

The declaration adds that governments should reform USD 638–USD 851 billion in annual subsidies and use procurement to promote nutritious, locally produced foods. Investors are urged to integrate nutrition into investment strategies as a financial priority.

It adds that businesses should reformulate products, improve food portfolio health, and shift marketing from unhealthy foods. Nonprofits and international organisations must define clear private sector roles. All stakeholders should ensure transparency, accountability, and SMART 2030 nutrition results.

According to the statement, the declaration underscores the need for collaborative financing solutions, particularly in light of foreign aid reductions. It promotes partnerships between public and private sectors to sustain progress in global nutrition efforts.

It adds that the full list of contributing organisations includes ATNi, GAIN, the Paris Peace Forum, the scaling up nutrition movement, the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), and the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), among others.

“We have seen some marginal progress towards improved nutrition outcomes from the private sector, but it is not enough. The Declaration calls on all actors to take action and improve markets for nutrition which in turn will help industry deliver healthier, more affordable foods for all,” says Greg S Garrett, Executive Director, Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi).

“If we want businesses to do more for nutrition, governments need to incentivise them with carrots and sticks. So far it has been mostly sticks, and that just creates animosity. Two ways about this, first, create loan mechanisms that work for SMEs supplying nutritious food, so they can grow. At present, there are none. Second, create incentives for bigger companies to initiate workforce nutrition programmes to boost their productivity and create resilient supply chains. At present, there are none,” says Lawrence Haddad, GAIN’s Executive Director.

“In an uncertain world where traditional multilateralism is threatened, we must build new coalitions to tackle our shared challenges. The Paris Peace Forum is proud to have worked to help civil society bridge the gap between institutional and private sector debates on nutrition: in the context of this unique Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, and at a time when governments are in a tight fiscal space, we need the private sector more than ever,” says Justin Vaïsse, Director General, Paris Peace Forum.