2024 National Nutrition Day and the Launching of the Joint Programme SDG Seed Fund 'Transforming Cambodia’s food systems to become more sustainable, healthy, inclusive and resilient'

• Excellency Ouk Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of CARD
• Excellency Chea Samnang, Vice Chairman of CARD
• Excellencies, Vice chairmans of CARD (tbc)
• Excellency Sok Silo, Secretary General of CARD
• Mr. Jost Kadel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Cooperation of the Federal republic of Germany Embassy in Cambodia
• Representatives from line ministries, development partners, and civil society
• Ladies, gentlemen, and youth the future leaders 

On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, it is my honor to extend warm congratulations to the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and the people of Cambodia on the celebration of National Nutrition Day. This occasion highlights the significant strides made in improving nutrition, thanks to the dedicated efforts of CARD, the Royal Government of Cambodia, and many committed development partners.

Good nutrition is essential for health, development, and overall well-being. It supports physical growth, cognitive function, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, leading to healthier, longer lives. Adequate nutrition also enhances maternal health, boosts economic productivity, and reduces healthcare costs by preventing disease. By promoting equity and aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, nutrition drives sustainable development, breaking cycles of poverty and improving the quality of life for all.

Over the past decades, Cambodia has made remarkable progress in improving food and nutrition security. Cambodia has launched pivotal initiatives and national strategies, such as the National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, aimed at tackling malnutrition and promoting healthier diets, particularly among women and children. In collaboration with multiple UN agencies and partners, public awareness campaigns have been launched to emphasize the importance of balanced diets, maternal nutrition, and effective child-feeding practices. Initiatives like school feeding programs have further enhanced nutritional intake and improved health and educational outcomes for children, while the Food Fortification Initiative has addressed micronutrient deficiencies by enriching foods with essential vitamins and minerals. These collective efforts reflect Cambodia’s commitment to addressing nutritional challenges and fostering long-term public health improvements.

Today’s celebration of National Nutrition Day not only recognizes these achievements but also serves as a fitting platform to discuss the way forward 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.

This afternoon’s consultative session, dedicated to the revision of the National Food Systems Roadmap, presents a valuable opportunity to identify priority areas for action, align strategies, and establish a comprehensive investment plan. I encourage everyone to actively participate, share insights, and contribute to shaping a future where sustainable food systems drive better nutrition outcomes for all Cambodians. 

Before concluding, I would like to share a few messages with our youth, particularly those present here today. As future leaders, practitioners, and changemakers, you hold a unique and powerful role in shaping the future of our food systems. Today is an opportunity to make your voices heard, to share your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will help us set pathways toward sustainable food systems in the face of climate change.

Once again, congratulations on National Nutrition Day. I wish you all a productive and insightful workshop as we work together to ensure that nutrition remains at the heart of Cambodia’s development agenda.