Series: ADB Data Room: Nutrition for Food Systems Transformation Future-Proofing Nutrition: Country Priorities and Partnerships 11 December 2025 The webinar discussed how countries can “future-proof” nutrition in the face of climate change, declining development assistance, and widening inequalities. Speakers from the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and ADB emphasized that good nutrition is a foundational investment for human capital, economic growth, gender equality, and resilience. Despite strong evidence that nutrition delivers high economic returns, up to $23 for every $1 invested, global financing gaps and competing priorities continue to threaten progress. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition across sectors such as agriculture, health, social protection, education, and climate action, while strengthening national ownership, financing mechanisms, and partnerships between institutions like ADB and SUN to translate global commitments into country-level investments and measurable outcomes. Key takeaways from the webinar include: High-impact investment: Nutrition delivers strong economic returns and is foundational to human capital, productivity, and resilient economies. Integrated action: The first 1,000 days are the most cost-effective period for interventions, requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches across health, agriculture, education, and social systems. Financing gaps require stronger leadership and partnerships: Declining aid and competing priorities are widening funding gaps, making country leadership and institutional collaboration essential to mobilize resources and scale impact. Program and Learning Materials Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Tomoko Kato ADB Organizer/s Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office Read Also AFNR Webinar: Future-Proofing Nutrition: Country Priorities and the Power of Partnerships Partner Organization/s Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Topics Health