The U.S. must lead at the Nutrition for Growth Summit

When we come together as advocates, we can accomplish incredible things. And right now, we must focus this power on the March 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, France. If the U.S. plays the leadership role it can, more families than ever will have the tools to dodge the devastating effects of malnutrition. 

Anchored by the Olympic host country, the N4G Summit is a global event bringing together many groups. Governments, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits pledge support for work combatting malnutrition. Since 2013, this summit occurs every four years in conjunction with the Olympics. This effort grew as the global community recognized malnutrition for the dire threat that it is.   

Last year, a heartbreaking five million children under the age of 5 died. Malnutrition caused nearly half of those deaths. But hunger is only part of the picture. In children, malnutrition causes stunted growth and weakens brain development. These kids often finish fewer years in school and earn less income as adults. Malnutrition frequently causes anemia (iron deficiency). Anemia is outright dangerous to pregnant people and their babies. It can cause life-threatening complications for both — and even death. When we allow malnutrition to run rampant, children and families perish. Communities suffer. Whole countries lose out, including economically. Countries severely affected by poverty and malnutrition see up to 16 percent of their Gross Domestic Product diminished. 

But the good news is we know what works to stop malnutrition. Funding amassed through N4G supports evidence-based solutions. N4G sustains programs that increase breastfeeding. Funding helps provide nourishment to adolescent girls and women. Focusing N4G resources on women and girls has ripple effects across communities. Birth defects go down — so does maternal and infant mortality. This funding is a lifeline for millions around the world. 

In the past, your advocacy has helped inspire the U.S. to take on key leadership at N4G. The 2021 N4G Summit in Tokyo was a major success with over $27 billion pledged to nutrition programs. Seven other priority countries then made their own robust commitments in response to the U.S. pledge. Indeed, the U.S. wields important influence. 

RESULTS calls on the U.S. government for a $13.3 billion pledge to N4G 

With acute malnutrition on the rise, the U.S. must seize this opportunity for leadership. As advocates, we must call on the U.S. government to make an early pledge of at least $13.3 billion for nutrition related activities. This would stretch from fiscal year (FY)2025 to FY2028. This allocation must include at least $2 billion for nutrition specific activities. These activities include interventions like breast/chestfeeding support and nutrition for girls and women. Not only will this pledge set the stage to save millions of lives but also position the U.S. for impact as the N4G host country in 2028. 

Your advocacy is essential to making this happen. Together, we can urge our government to take action. We can help make the 2025 N4G Summit a turning point on global malnutrition. Let’s help create a world where every child in every part of the world can thrive.