With only about 2 percent of its total population severely undernourished (7 percent lower than the world average), the Europe and Central Asia region is better off than others with regards to food security. However, other forms of malnutrition are following in the wake: Millions still suffer from micronutrient deficiencies – anaemia, in particular – and some 200 million people in the region, corresponding to one-fourth of adults, are now obese.

To promote sustainable food systems that improve nutrition and enable healthy diets at global and regional levels, it is important to foster discussion and debate around policy and institutional reforms. With this in mind, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), a joint body of FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), has organized a regional consultation. The event is taking place on 17–18 September in Budapest.