Deputy Secretary-General Announces Mobilization of School Meals Coalition to Support Youth Nutrition, Health, and Education
It is a momentous occasion as the UN Food Systems Summit+4 (UNFSS+4) convenes in Addis Ababa, highlighting the remarkable progress of the School Meals Coalition. With over 100 governments collaborating to enhance school meal programs, this initiative has emerged as one of the most successful global mobilizations in recent years. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended the leadership of Brazil, France, and Finland, emphasizing the importance of school meals in fostering inclusive and sustainable food systems. The event showcased the collective efforts of governments and partners to ensure that every child receives nutritious meals, aiming for a significant expansion by 2030.
Progress and Collaboration in School Meal Programs
The School Meals Coalition has made significant strides since its inception, with numerous governments actively working to strengthen their school meal initiatives. Amina Mohammed acknowledged the leadership of the coalition’s co-chairs and the dedication of participating nations. Countries like Rwanda and Indonesia exemplify the potential of school meal programs, demonstrating how effective collaboration can lead to near-universal coverage and rapid scaling. The coalition’s success is not solely attributed to government efforts; it also involves partnerships with various stakeholders committed to delivering on national commitments. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in driving measurable progress in school meal programs across the globe.
Key Priorities for Sustainable School Meals
To maximize the impact of school meal programs, Amina Mohammed outlined four key priorities. The first priority is to expand coverage and raise collective ambitions. The coalition aims to reach an additional 150 million children in low- and middle-income countries by 2030, as agreed upon at the recent G20 summit. This ambitious target requires a shift from mere commitment to tangible delivery, with the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty joining forces with the School Meals Coalition to rally support.
The second priority focuses on transforming food systems through procurement. Countries are encouraged to align school meal menus with nutritional, sustainability, and social goals. This includes sourcing food from smallholder farmers and implementing clean cooking solutions in schools. The third priority emphasizes the integration of school meals into climate finance, recognizing their potential to contribute to climate mitigation and biodiversity. The upcoming COP30 in Brazil presents an opportunity to position school meals as a vital component of climate solutions.
Addressing the Financing Gap
The fourth priority addresses the urgent need to close the financing gap for school meal programs. The Sevilla Commitment, adopted recently, calls for innovative financing solutions to support low- and middle-income countries facing economic challenges. With many nations at risk of debt distress, exploring options such as health taxes, natural resource revenues, and Multilateral Development Bank investments is crucial. The UNFSS+4 Report of the Secretary-General highlights the innovations that have emerged over the past two years, emphasizing the importance of leveraging this momentum to attract necessary funding.
A Vision for the Future
Amina Mohammed concluded her remarks with a powerful message from Ndidi Nwuneli of the ONE Campaign, emphasizing the importance of scaling effective solutions rather than merely expanding efforts. The School Meals Coalition exemplifies this approach, with governments and partners uniting to enhance a proven solution. The goal remains clear: by 2030, every child should receive a healthy, nutritious meal in school. The commitment to feeding the future is stronger than ever, and the coalition is poised to build on its progress to ensure that no child is left behind.
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