Remarks at Food Fortification Project Signing Ceremony

Excellency, Ms. Aphone Visathep, Vice-Minister of Health;

Excellency, Mr. Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Lao PDR;

Marc-Andre Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director;

Dr. Phonesavanh Keonakhone, Director of National Center for Nutrition;

Excellencies;

Distinguished guests;

It is an honor to be here today to speak on an issue that lies at the heart of sustainable development—ensuring access to nutritious food for all. Tackling hunger and malnutrition is not just about filling stomachs; it is about nourishing people and communities using the right nutrients, and ensuring a healthier future generations. Yet, for far too many families, a healthy diet remains out of reach.

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024, a global report jointly issued by five UN agencies, paints a stark picture: 2.8 billion people—35% of the world’s population—cannot afford a healthy diet. This is also the reality in Asia, where economic and social challenges continue to limit access to proper nutrition.

The United Nations is committed to working alongside governments to transform food systems through proven, cost-effective solutions. Food fortification is a known accelerator in the fight against malnutrition, and it plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we approach the conclusion of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition later this year, now is the time to mobilize even greater support for large-scale staple food fortification. This is a no-regrets, game-changing intervention that has the power to reduce disease, combat poverty, and uplift vulnerable communities. Several UN agencies, including WFP, WHO and UNICEF, are actively driving this agenda forward.

Here in Lao PDR, we have seen important progress. Just six months ago, during a side event at the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting, ASEAN member states launched four essential ASEAN Nutrition Guidelines and Minimum Standards. One of these guidelines focused on the mandatory implementation of large-scale food fortification, ensuring that nutrition strategies in the region are aligned with global best practices and evidence.

At the same time, economic challenges continue to weigh heavily on communities. High food prices and job insecurity persist, with WFP’s December 2024 Food Security Monitoring revealing that 12% of families worry about food costs, while 11% fear loss of employment. For many, nutritious food is simply not affordable.

This is why staple food fortification is so critical. It is a cost-effective strategy to ensure that essential micronutrients reach all Lao people, leaving no one behind. I am encouraged by the Government’s leadership, particularly under the Ministry of Health, in prioritizing this vital action.

Finally, we must recognize the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. The collaboration between Lao PDR and India is a shining example of South-South cooperation. The United Nations-India Partnership Development Fund, established in 2017, continues to play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration between India and countries of the Global South. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and look forward to continued cooperation in the years ahead.

Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to a world where every individual—no matter their background—has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

Thank you.