As G20 leaders gather in Cannes, World Vision joins private meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy

CANNES, France, 2 November 2011—World Vision’s national director in India, Dr. Jayakumar Christian, met privately with French President Nicholas Sarkozy and other NGO leaders Tuesday morning to discuss critical issues in this year’s G20 Summit. The meeting included representatives of French and international NGOs and focused on food security, innovative financing, and social protection.

Dr. Christian challenged the President to consider what his legacy would be to the 200 million children who experience malnutrition every day and are permanently affected by stunting, poor educational outcomes, and lack of employment opportunities.

“There have been significant improvements for children over the past decade, but we cannot stop now. It’s not too late to help the 200 million children suffering from malnutrition everyday,” said Dr. Jayakumar Christian, national director with World Vision in India. “It would be shameful if the G20 did not continue these efforts in discussions this week and intentionally focus on the situation of children who are so deeply impacted by food insecurity and poor nutrition."

President Sarkozy assured Dr. Christian that he was personally committed to addressing food security, particularly through investments in agricultural production.

Commenting on the value of this meeting with President Sarkozy, Dr. Christian said, “This kind of opportunity is so important for organizations like World Vision because we are able to bring the lives and stories of children we work with directly to some of the most powerful leaders in the world. The decisions made by President Sarkozy and other G20 leaders will have a direct impact on the children we work with in 100 countries around the world.”

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit www.worldvision.org/press.