Launch of the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) to be held 19-21 November in Rome to address hunger and malnutrition
ROME, Italy, June 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- PRESS CONFERENCE 12 June 2014
Figures paint a stark picture: 842 million people undernourished; about 45 percent of 6.9 million child deaths linked to malnutrition, obesity on the rise in many countries.
Despite great strides made in some countries since the first international conference on nutrition held in 1992, progress in reducing hunger and improving nutrition has been unacceptably slow. Malnutrition in all its forms (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overnutrition) places an intolerable burden on individuals and communities as well as on the cultural, social, economic and health fabric of nations.
Recognizing that global problems require global solutions, FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) are jointly organizing a high-level inter-governmental conference on nutrition to be held in Rome 19-21 November 2014.
The overall goal is to improve diets and to raise levels of nutrition globally. From participants, including heads of state and government leaders, it seeks:
• A political commitment for effective action and mobilization of resources for improved nutrition;
• The incorporation of nutrition-enhancing food systems into national policies;
• Coordination among food, agriculture, health and other sectors to improve nutritional outcomes;
• Better international cooperation on nutrition issues;
• Contribution to the post-2015 UN development agenda and the Zero Hunger Challenge.
FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva, will give a press conference to launch ICN2 at FAO headquarters in Rome on Thursday 12 June at 10.30 am. A video message by WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan, will also be shown.
WHAT: Launch of Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)
WITH: FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva,
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan (video message)
WHEN: Thursday, 12 June 2014, 10.30h
WHERE: Sheikh Zayed Media Centre, FAO headquarters
Rome, Italy | Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, corner with Viale Aventino. Metro stop Circo Massimo.
Accreditation will take place at the main FAO visitor's entry kiosk. A valid press card or letter of assignment on company stationery, plus picture ID, required.
Website: http://www.fao.org/ICN2
Webcast: http://www.fao.org/webcast/
Twitter hashtags: #ICN2
More information: FAO media office, (+39) 06 570 53625, [email protected]