The Politics of Ending Malnutrition - Challenging Conversations with Decision Makers

Between 2010-2020, SUN developed successful partnerships and collaborations at the global level that translated into action at the country level… but missed opportunities to strengthen regional capacity.”Mohamed Ag Bendech, Independent Expert on Nutrition and Development supporting the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NiPN) in NigerIn this first SUN conversation with a country voice during our current series on the future of the SUN Movement, previous N4D podcast guest Mohamed Ag Bendech shares historical perspectives on the birth of SUN, its role, added value and strategic priorities. He draws on his extensive experience, particularly in West African countries including Niger and Mali, to underline the successes and challenges that faced the SUN Movement in its first decade – and what it now needs to do to rekindle enthusiasm for SUN in countries and repair the disconnect at the regional level. Mohamed highlights the role of regional institutions such as the African Union and the African Development Bank in strengthening a multisectoral approach, and SUN’s recent success in decentralizing its offices to provide expertise closer to the countries. His advice to the SUN Movement to shine more brightly in its next phase? Focus on objectives for each region and work with regional communities.Please join the debate! Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.coTheme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz© N4D Group 2025

N4D’s directors kick off the series with a deep dive into the past, the present and the future of the SUN Movement. What did the global nutrition architecture look like before SUN was set up, what was the impetus for the Movement’s creation, how was it intended to function and what have been its successes to date? They also speak candidly on whether the SUN Movement has reduced the fragmentation of nutrition and its related sectors - at both country and global level – and share their thoughts on what the new 4.0 strategy needs to include.Please join the debate! Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.coTheme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz© N4D Group 2025