Scaling Up Nutrition Movement

Scaling Up Nutrition Movement
Name	Scaling Up Nutrition Movement
Founded	2010
Type	Global movement
Focus	Malnutrition, Food security, Public health
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Key people	David Nabarro, Gerda Verburg
Website	https://scalingupnutrition.org

Scaling Up Nutrition Movement. The Scaling Up Nutrition Movement is a global collective effort that unites civil society, United Nations agencies, donors, businesses, and governments to combat malnutrition in all its forms. Launched in 2010, it operates on the principle that evidence-based interventions and coordinated multi-stakeholder action are essential for sustainable progress. The movement supports national-led plans to improve nutritional outcomes, emphasizing the critical first 1,000 days from pregnancy to a child's second birthday.

Overview

The movement functions as a unique platform fostering collaboration among a diverse array of stakeholders committed to ending malnutrition. Its core philosophy is encapsulated in the SUN Strategy, which guides efforts to scale up proven nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions. Central to its approach is supporting member countries to develop and implement their own costed national nutrition action plans. The movement's work is critical for achieving targets under Sustainable Development Goal 2 and the World Health Assembly global nutrition targets.

History and development

The movement emerged from growing international consensus, highlighted by the 2008 Lancet Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition, which outlined a compelling evidence base for action. It was formally launched in 2010 at the UN General Assembly under the leadership of then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Key architects included David Nabarro, who served as the first Movement Coordinator. Early endorsement came from influential figures like Hillary Clinton and institutions such as the World Bank. The movement's framework was further solidified at the 2013 Nutrition for Growth summit in London.

Structure and governance

Governance is led by a Lead Group of high-level figures, including UN agency heads, government ministers, and civil society leaders. Day-to-day coordination is managed by the Secretariat, based in Geneva and hosted by the UNOPS. The movement is organized into four distinct but interconnected networks: the Government Network, the Civil Society Network (Alliance), the Business Network, and the Donor Network. A Executive Committee provides strategic oversight, and a Global Coordinator acts as the principal advocate and facilitator.

Key initiatives and programs

A flagship initiative is the support for national multi-sectoral nutrition plans, which align actions across ministries like health, agriculture, and education. The movement promotes the adoption of SMART commitments and robust financing strategies, often showcased at high-level events like the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit. It facilitates south-south learning exchanges and knowledge sharing through platforms like the Knowledge Management hub. The Annual Progress Report tracks collective advancements across member countries.

Impact and achievements

The movement has significantly elevated nutrition on the global political agenda, with over 65 countries and 4 Indian states now officially designated as SUN Countries. These nations have demonstrated progress in strengthening policies, increasing domestic budget allocations for nutrition, and improving coordination mechanisms. Collective efforts have contributed to measurable declines in stunting rates in several member states, including Peru, Senegal, and Ethiopia. The movement's advocacy was instrumental in securing the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.

Challenges and criticism

Critics point to challenges in measuring the movement's direct attribution to improved nutrition outcomes versus broader national efforts. Some analyses, including from the IDS, suggest that while political commitment has increased, translating it into effective, large-scale implementation remains difficult. Ensuring meaningful participation and accountability of the private sector, especially concerning the marketing of breast-milk substitutes and ultra-processed foods, is an ongoing point of tension. Furthermore, the movement's complex, consensus-driven structure can sometimes lead to slow decision-making and difficulty in holding all partners to equal account.

Category:International organizations Category:Nutrition organizations Category:Organizations established in 2010