G20 Summit: World Vision concerned stunted economies will again overshadow stunted children

Los Cabos, MEXICO (June 16, 2012) — Following meetings today between civil society leaders and Ministers from the Mexican government, World Vision has high hopes that this openness will turn into concrete action to address the needs of the one billion hungry people around the world. However, we are concerned that similar to past Summits, the discussions in Los Cabos will weigh heavily on short-term economic issues rather than on sustainable solutions for economic growth, particularly investing in food security and nutrition.

In response to today’s meetings leading up to the G20 Summit, World Vision would like to see the G20 move quickly from this welcome dialogue to strong action:

Better balance between economies and children. We were pleased to hear President Calderon express today that there must be a broader agenda, because the G20 should not only address current problems but have a long-term vision. World Vision believes that leaders can’t discuss ways to stimulate global economic growth without also addressing child nutrition.

“The message is clear: If we do not work together fast, the consequences of the food security crisis will affect not only our grandchildren but our own children now," said Luis del Rio, National Director for World Vision Mexico.

“Research shows that investing in child nutrition can lead to 2-3 percent increase in economic growth of developing countries. With the need to stimulate economic growth traditionally being a strong focus at the G20, we are hopeful that this Summit will not just focus on solutions for stunted economies, but also on solutions for stunted children,” said Adam Taylor, Vice-President of Advocacy, World Vision US.

Set measurable targets for nutrition within food security policies. This G20 could improve their commitment to a broader agenda by taking a concrete step to adopt, monitor and account for the promises they collectively made at the World Health Assembly in May to reduce the number of stunted children by 40% by 2025.

“It is widely accepted that global economic growth will dominate the G20 agenda—but with a significant number of the world’s hungry people and stunted children in their very own countries, World Vision will be asking G20 leaders, “How can you claim your country is growing if your children are not?” said Taylor.

We are pleased that countries like Mexico have already implemented the kind of measures needed to meet these targets, but others in the G20 have so far failed to do their part,” said del Rio. “G20 leaders can and should hold each other accountable.”

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews