International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) “The only truly global community for Nutrition Sciences ”

"To live a life without malnutrition is a fundamental human right. The persistence of malnutrition, especially among children and mothers, in this world of plenty is immoral. Nutrition improvement anywhere in the world is not a charity but a societal, household and individual right. International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS): VISION It is the world community's responsibility to find effective ways and means to invest for better livelihood and to avoid future unnecessary social and economic burdens. With collective efforts at international, national and community levels, ending malnutrition is both a credible and achievable goal

Promote the advancement of the science of nutrition, research and development through international cooperation globally. MISSION

The actions that we take and the manner we proceed in our work as IUNS should reflect the values that we share: Truly global Scientific excellence All nations, people, and genders as equals Invest in and empower our future leaders Accountable to our Adhering Bodies Transparent in all our actions Place public interest first Work in Partnerships

IUNS Strengths Leadership, enthusiasm and commitment of C M Global representation, presence and scope CM are scientists Approaches are multi disciplines/geography/gender Established record in capacity development Independent, science based and credible Interactions with key International Agencies ICN serves as a global forum for interactions in research, information exchange. CM: council members ICN: International Congress of Nutrition

IUNS Weaknesses IUNS and its functions are not well known by AB countries. Financial and organizational limitations Insufficient discussions within CM and with AB to create common strategies at the global level Some Task Force activities lack integration and visibility Limited interactions and visibility of IUNS except for ICNs Limited and unrecognized impact of IUNS in shaping policy and programs at global, regional and national level The voice of AB is weak and not transmitted to IUNS CM Weak link with private sector Unable to harmonize various regional initiatives AB: Adhering bodies

IUNS Opportunities Enhance collaboration between AB/create regional networks in order to influence policy and community level decision makers. Increase awareness on significance of malnutrition in all its forms by promoting multinational training and research activities. Promote research collaboration between industrialized & low income countries in the fight against malnutrition and NRCDs Lead process of harmonization of NB and FBDGs Strengthen and enhance application of INFOODS Facilitate public/private interactions for improved nutrition Provide direction for training/research/techical development Facilitate Publications of research work conducted in LDCs Be a leader nutrition capacity development/strengthening activities. Use modern communication technology to enhance interactions NB and FBDGs: nutrient based and food based dietary guidelines

IUNS Threats Competing interests of CM and Officers with IUNS needs IUNS is labelled as No Action Talk Only (NATO) organization Unable to work efficiently in partnership with other organizations using existing networks Present Nutrition problems are too complicated for IUNS to even understand Loss of independence in efforts to raise funds, pleasing industry Supporting policy before scientific evidence is sufficient Conflict with other organizations with overlapping goals Governance issues continue to plague the IUNS AB are progressively less supportive and interested in IUNS and not committed to its vision and mission

IUNS Priorities for Action for next 4 yrs Increase communication with AB, promote regional collaboration and network development. Review and assess the scientific quality of ongoing taskforces, establish new ones based on needs Strengthen and consolidate leadership training efforts Develop fund raising efforts with clear objectives and strategy. Increase visibility of IUNS at all levels Ensure scientific quality of the program for the next ICN Review and strengthen governance and participation systems LDCs: less developed countries

IUNS Council Contact s Ricardo Uauy",, Osman Galal Galal", Suzanne Murphy", Ibrahim Elmadfa, “ Lindsey Allen" Kamala Krishnaswamy" Anna Lartey" J. Alfredo Martinez", Marja Mutanen", H Y Paik Helio Vannucchi",