Cambodia Marks 11th National Nutrition Day: 'Nutrition for Growth'

More than 350 participants attended, including representatives from government ministries, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Sok Silo, Secretary General of CARD, who highlighted the importance of a unified approach: “Since food security and nutrition are cross-sectoral issues, this requires good cooperation, coordination, and involvement and focus on interventions and investments in agriculture, food, health, education, environment, employment, rural development, water resources management, gender, water and sanitation and hygiene, social protection, and other relevant sectors.” 

H.E Lao Sokharom, Vice Chairman of CARD appealed to development partners, civil society, and the private sector to support the Royal Government of Cambodia in efficiently implementing policies, strategies, and action plans for success.

H.E. Chea Samnang, Vice Chairman of CARD, conveyed key messages on behalf of the Prime Minister emphasized regarding Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to improve food security and nutrition. CARD, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, will advance the 3rd National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (2024-2028) and update the 2030 Roadmap for a Sustainable Food System. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is set to modernize farming practices to boost productivity, diversify crops, and enhance food quality and safety, particularly by integrating climate-resilient practices. The Ministry of Health will continue to focus on early child nutrition, promoting breastfeeding and providing nutritional counseling, while urging parents to monitor children’s growth at health centers and ensure vitamin A supplementation to strengthen immunity. Enhancements to the Cambodian Food Reserve System are also underway to improve its readiness in responding to natural disasters, alongside measures by relevant ministries to strengthen food labeling standards and expand school nutrition programs. Local authorities will encourage community-based farming and food production to increase access to diverse and nutritious foods, particularly for youth, while promoting traditional Khmer cooking with a focus on healthier ingredients. The message concluded with a call for citizens, vendors, and institutions to maintain strict hygiene and safety practices across all stages of food handling to ensure safe and high-quality food for consumers nationwide. 

Ms. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia on behalf o the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized, “Today’s celebration of National Nutrition Day not only recognizes these achievements but also serves as a fitting platform to discuss the way forward and how we can work together to address the ongoing challenges Cambodia is facing, such as child wasting, prevalent micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional disparities among the population groups, and overweight and obesity.  I am pleased to share that three UN agencies—FAO, WFP, and UNICEF—have recently secured approval for the SDG Seed Fund Joint Programme, a transformative initiative focused on building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems in Cambodia. This joint effort, guided and chaired by CARD and co-chaired by UNRC, will update Cambodia’s National Food Systems Roadmap with a focus on nutrition, climate resilience, and gender equity. This roadmap will play a critical role in reinforcing the very objectives we celebrate today—ensuring that improved nutrition outcomes remain central to sustainable development in Cambodia.”

A highlight of the event was the launch of two significant initiatives: the SDG Seed Fund, developed in partnership with FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, to accelerate sustainable development, and the "EnoughCampaign" with World Vision International Cambodia, which focuses on eliminating child malnutrition and promoting healthier dietary practices. The SDG funds will primarily support the revision and implementation of Cambodia’s food systems roadmap, reinforcing national frameworks and capacities to achieve economic and nutritional gains. Financing will be diversified, scalable, and sustainable to enable lasting food system transformation, with advocacy and communication tools playing a pivotal role. The Joint SDG Fund helps countries advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfill the 2030 Agenda's commitment to "leave no one behind." It promotes integrated economic, social, and environmental policies rooted in a rights-based approach, unlocking substantial financing from various sources and leveraging the UN development system’s strengths and partnerships to drive SDG progress, even in challenging contexts.

Mr. Janes I. Ginting, National Director at World Vision International, stated, “Children and parents, especially from rural areas, struggle to put the right food for their health and growth on the table. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful with the unwavering and shared commitment to the success of the 3rd National Strategy on Food Security and Nutrition. This National Nutrition Day showed that there is ENOUGH will to end child malnutrition in Cambodia.”

Mr. Jost Kadel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, stated, “As we celebrate the National Nutrition Day today, let us not only reflect on Cambodia's achievements but also renew our commitment to its vision.Together, we will help Cambodia continue on a path of health and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us leverage the power of partnerships, digital innovation and sustainable practices to support the Kingdom in building a future where food systems are resilient,  intrusive and adaptable to the demands of tomorrow.”

The event also included a presentation on the 2030 Roadmap for Sustainable Food Systems, outlining strategies to enhance sustainable food systems and nutrition outcomes in Cambodia. Attendees participated in breakout sessions, facilitated by FAO, WFP, UNICEF, and CARD, to collaboratively develop the roadmap’s strategic framework and explore integrated, multi-sectoral solutions. The 11th National Nutrition Day showcased a united effort among government, development partners, civil society, and communities, all working together to build a healthier, more resilient Cambodia. This collective commitment underscores the role of nutrition in driving growth, wellbeing, and a brighter future for all Cambodians.