Partnerships and governance for nutrition
Strengthening partnerships, evidence and advocacy for maternal and child nutrition.
Countries with poor nutrition governance have weak or limited policies protecting maternal and child nutrition – and few accountability mechanisms. Decision-making may be influenced by political or corporate interests rather than the nutrition needs and rights of children and women. In these settings, the most vulnerable are often least able to claim their rights and participate in the food and nutrition decisions that affect them.
In contrast, good nutrition governance means that countries have the proper foundations in place – such as strong policies, strategies and programmes – to support children’s right to nutritious diets and essential nutrition services. To be effective, good governance must be grounded in evidence about what works to improve maternal and child nutrition. It also requires governments and their partners to have the capacity to turn their commitments for nutrition into action.
UNICEF’s response
UNICEF helps strengthen the capacities of governments for good nutrition governance. To do this, we convene strategic partnerships, generate data, share knowledge, advocate for children’s right to nutrition, and mobilize the necessary resources to reach every child in need.
Evidence is foundational to improving governance. It informs effective policies, strategies and programmes for maternal and child nutrition. It also guides advocacy and helps direct resources in ways that prioritize the right to nutrition of every child.
Convening partnerships
UNICEF convenes and supports strategic partnerships across sectors and with a range of partners to drive action on maternal and child nutrition. We also strengthen the governance of the food, health, water and sanitation, education, and social protection systems to improve nutrition.
Data for decision-making
UNICEF strengthens national capacities to collect and analyse nutrition data and use them to inform nutrition policies and programmes. Our NutriDash platform collects data on the performance of nutrition programmes globally to inform programme planning and monitor progress in improving maternal and child nutrition.
We also provide technical guidance to countries on nutrition data and indicators, and advocate for and support reporting on the indicators and targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Generating and sharing knowledge
UNICEF supports governments to design evidence-informed policies and programmes, and generates and shares knowledge in nutrition programming to ensure that resources are aligned with the evidence of what works.
Advocating for the right to nutrition
UNICEF grounds its advocacy in evidence, using it to shape policies, strategies, programmes and budgets for maternal and child nutrition. These efforts aim to increase political and financial commitment to nutrition, and to inform, inspire and engage targeted audiences about children’s right to nutrition.
Mobilizing resources and financing
UNICEF advocates for and mobilizes human and financial resources for nutrition, including by supporting governments to better plan, resource, implement and track national financing for nutrition.