United Nations System
Standing Committee on Nutrition

 

Report of the Sub-Committee on Nutrition at its Twenty-Fifth Session

Introduction

  1. The SCN Chairman, Dr Richard Jolly, welcomed participants to the 25th Session of the SCN, in particular the Special Guests (listed in Annex I). He also welcomed participating UN organizations, the Advisory Group on Nutrition, representatives of bilateral agencies, Symposium presenters, NGOs, host Government representatives, and other participants. He then gave the floor to Dr H. F. Johnson, the Norwegian Minister of International Development and Human Rights, who welcomed participants to Oslo. In her opening statement Dr Johnson stressed the daunting challenge posed by the need to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in the 21st century, and the key role the SCN participants would play in it. While there are no simple solutions, coordinated work between governments, both in the developed and developing world, together with civil society, were essential. Also a number of practical steps were possible on an international basis, such as (a) an improved world trading system through the World Trade Organization (WTO), (b) a significant measure of relief from the crushing debt burden of developing countries, and (c ) macroeconomic reform in a number of areas in the developing world. The 20/20 initiative could also play an important role.

  2. Women play a key role in the improvement of health and nutrition  and it is appropriate that the SCN Symposium this year should focus on this aspect. "Investment" in women's education, their health and food security helps to reduce hunger and malnutrition and benefits future generations. Furthermore, in situations where the right to food is not satisfied, most other human rights tend to lose their importance. In conclusion, Dr Johnson expressed firm support in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, and on behalf of the Government of Norway welcomed SCN participants to Norway and wished them success in their tasks.

  3. The SCN Chairman thanked Dr Johnson for her stimulating address. The SCN held its first meeting in September 1977 and accordingly having "come of age" it seemed appropriate to recall some of the nutrition accomplishments in which a key role was played by the SCN such as (1) the reduction in iodine deficiency (2) raising awareness of refugee nutrition issues, (3) the recurrent symposia, one of which resulted in nutrition being introduced into the IMF's development policy, (4) the publication of Reports on the World Nutrition Situation, and (5) Nutrition Policy Papers containing important lessons on nutrition policies. In opening the 25th Session, the Chairman stated that the SCN has made an important difference and can go on to do much more.