UN General Assembly: New York, 8-10 May 2002

The Smart Start for Children Salt iodization conquers brain-damaging deficiency Public/private/civic collaboration shows the way towards a unique public health victory

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 We are here today to promote one of the most effective preventive health interventions that exist Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland Director-General World Health Organization

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 The Network contributes to the best possible start in life for children Roger Moore Movie Actor, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 Nations Speak… H.E. Begum Zhia Prime-Minister Bangladesh H.E. Beriz Belkic Chairman of the Presidency Bosnia and Herzegovina H.E. Ali Mohd Shein Vice-President Tanzania

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 IDD is not only a serious health issue; It is a national social and economic issue Dong Zhihua President China Salt Industry Association

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 European salt producers understand the technology, accept the responsibility, get the message out, and supply technology to those who need it Floris Bierman, CEO Akzo Nobel Salt European Salt Producers’ Association

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 Advertising and marketing have helped educating the public on the need to have iodine in the diet Walter W. Becky III CEO Morton Salt

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 We must continue working to sustain the gains made Robert L. Moore Vice President Kiwanis International

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 Canada helped saving more than 7 million newborns every year from brain damage due to iodine deficiency Susan Whelan Minister for International Cooperation Canada

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 We will support the Network to sustain the achievements made and give children a better chance in life Eveline Herfkens Minister for International Cooperation Netherlands

Tommy G. Thompson, U.S. Secretary Health and Human Services The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 Tommy G. Thompson, U.S. Secretary Health and Human Services

The Smart Start for Children UNGASS New York, 8-10 May 2002 You don’t have to be a Chess World Champion to know that it takes every bit of “brain power” to win! Anatoly Karpov UNICEF Regional Ambassador CEE/CIS/Baltic States

Universal Salt Iodization: Sustainable Prevention for All Iodine Deficiency: The Single Most Important Cause of Preventable Brain Damage in the World Universal Salt Iodization: Sustainable Prevention for All

Elimination of Iodine Deficiency For Ever The Public must understand and insist on adequate iodine nutrition Governments must continue supporting universal salt iodization & monitor iodine nutrition situation Scientific & Social interests must remain attentive and insist on continued national oversight Salt Producers must assure permanent universal supplies A Right’s- based approach Elimination of Iodine Deficiency For Ever

The Fundamental Principle Governments Salt Industry & Civic Society must continue to ensure this as the behavioral norm All the edible salt in all countries always must be iodized The Fundamental Principle