Overall perspective
In general the OEWG on nutrition appears to be progressing well as demonstrated by: (1) the good advance preparation of materials for the initial meeting; (2) impressive attendance numbers; (3) constructive interventions and general consensus and alignment from inputs in discussion; and (4) secretariat openness and flexibility for moving ahead re next steps towards the February 25 OEWG meeting # 2.
Proposed Area of focus of the HLPE Report on Nutrition and Food Systems
Agreement that focus on nutrition and food systems is the proper focus versus zeroing in on one discrete problem. The expected report on the different elements of food systems that influence food consumption and nutrition should be an invaluable tool to highlight the multiple challenges and interrelationships that can be prioritized for decisions on future work streams either for deeper analysis or for planning and implementing policy changes, programs and stimulating stakeholder actions.
Potential areas for CFS further involvement in nutrition
CFS can enhance the likelihood of better understanding how to build out its exploration for greater involvement in nutrition and communicating the rationale for such by using mapping techniques in key areas such as: (1) mapping elements of and relationships of the food systems and collateral components; (2) roles of stakeholders; (3) clarifying distinction of the roles among UN institutions and interagency platforms; (4) need to establish means to link, share and collaborate OEWGs of on nutrition and SDGs; (5) CFS should provide interactive debrief on ICN2, SDGs to HLPE; (6) work out with existing UN entities how CFS can get better on the ground perspectives to infuse real time insights of Secretariat and HLPE; (7) don’t limit sharing lessons learned to south-south…north has much to offer; (8) establish framework for collection, maintenance of information;(9) prioritize; i.e. value convening and reporting implementation of ICN2; (10) suggest a free stand, full day for awareness special event versus shoe horn in CFS 43; (11) expand organization base of event and invitees; (12) urge use of a term stronger than “mainstream nutrition” and suggest high consideration to using the term “embed nutrition.”
In closing, would be negligent if did not take note of the critical needs to find means to bridge resources
Deficiencies through a variety of mechanisms from revenue generation, soliciting in kind support and services and personnel secoundments.
J.B. CordaroJ.B. Cordaro