Access to Nutrition Initiative launches declaration to reshape nutrition economy by 2030
A coalition of global nutrition organisations led by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Paris Peace Forum has presented a new roadmap aimed at restructuring the nutrition economy through multi-sectoral action. The Paris Declaration establishes measurable targets to address various forms of malnutrition whilst creating accountability frameworks for businesses, governments, and investors.
The Paris Declaration on Business & Nutrition 2030 was unveiled on 26 March 2025 at a high-level event preceding the Paris Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit. The declaration outlines specific responsibilities for different stakeholders to transform nutrition outcomes globally by 2030.
Global nutrition crisis demands coordinated response
The declaration responds to alarming global statistics: 2.5 billion adults were overweight in 2022, including 890 million living with obesity, whilst 390 million were underweight. This dual burden of malnutrition—encompassing undernutrition, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity—continues to impact health systems, climate patterns, and economies worldwide.
Greg S Garrett, Executive Director of ATNi, noted the limited progress made thus far: “We have seen some marginal progress towards improved nutrition outcomes from the private sector, but it’s not enough. The Declaration calls on all actors to take action and improve markets for nutrition which in turn will help industry deliver healthier, more affordable foods for all.”
Stakeholder-specific commitments
The declaration identifies clear responsibilities for different sectors: Governments are called upon to reform agricultural and food subsidies—currently estimated at $638–$851 billion annually—and to leverage public procurement to drive demand for more nutritious and locally produced food products. For the investment community, the declaration emphasises the importance of embedding nutrition considerations into investment strategies, recognising nutrition both as a financially material issue and as a distinct investment theme.
The private sector faces specific expectations regarding product reformulation, portfolio healthiness improvements, and shifting marketing strategies away from unhealthy food products.
Financial incentives needed for business participation
Lawrence Haddad, GAIN’s Executive Director, highlighted the need for positive financial incentives: “If we want businesses to do more for nutrition, governments need to incentivize them with carrots and sticks. So far it has been mostly sticks, and that just creates animosity. Two ways about this: First, create loan mechanisms that work for SMEs supplying nutritious food, so they can grow. At present, there are none. Second, create incentives for bigger companies to initiate workforce nutrition programs to boost their productivity and create resilient supply chains. At present, there are none.”
Alternative financing models gaining importance
The declaration arrives at a critical juncture for nutrition financing. Justin Vaïsse, Director General of the Paris Peace Forum, observed: “In an uncertain world where traditional multilateralism is threatened, we must build new coalitions to tackle our shared challenges. The Paris Peace Forum is proud to have worked to help civil society bridge the gap between institutional and private sector debates on nutrition.”
With foreign aid budgets contracting, the declaration emphasises the need for innovative funding approaches that combine private and public sector resources.
Collaborative development process
The declaration was co-facilitated by ATNi, GAIN, and the Paris Peace Forum, working alongside multiple stakeholders including the Consumer Goods Forum, International Food and Beverage Alliance, Private Sector Mechanism, Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network, Nutrition Japan Public Private Platform, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
The initiative establishes a framework for SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) nutrition objectives to be achieved by 2030.
For more information, visit: https://accesstonutrition.org
