Our latest podcast in the SUN series is another country (and regional) voice - this time we’re in conversation with George Ouma, coordinator of the African Leaders for Nutrition Initiative. The ALN is is a platform jointly established by the African Union and the African Development Bank to drive high-level political will to tackle malnutrition. Discussions with George range from ‘game-changer’ policy reforms he’s working on in his current role, such as a framework to harmonise multisectoral policies across the African continent, to what it takes to galvanise high-level political will for nutrition and which countries are making strong progress.

As a former SUN civil society coordinator in Kenya and chair of the East and Southern Africa SUN Civil Society Network, George reflects on what SUN is doing well - and where the Movement could do better.

“Strong advocacy [has been achieved] through SUN networks… [acting as] a catalyst to heads of state realising that nutrition is a priority that should be integrated into national development plans.” But he believes that SUN networks other than civil society need to play a stronger role - “Academia should be generating evidence, the donor network is not just about giving money but should also focus on supporting advocacy at regional level… we need to make sure that every network delivers…”

Please join the debate! 

Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.co

Theme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz

© N4D Group 2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between 2010-2020, SUN developed successful partnerships and collaborations at the global level that translated into action at the country level… but missed opportunities to strengthen regional capacity.”

Mohamed Ag Bendech, Independent Expert on Nutrition and Development supporting the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NiPN) in Niger

In this first SUN conversation with a country voice during our current series on the future of the SUN Movement, previous N4D podcast guest Mohamed Ag Bendech shares historical perspectives on the birth of SUN, its role, added value and strategic priorities. He draws on his extensive experience, particularly in West African countries including Niger and Mali, to underline the successes and challenges that faced the SUN Movement in its first decade – and what it now needs to do to rekindle enthusiasm for SUN in countries and repair the disconnect at the regional level. Mohamed highlights the role of regional institutions such as the African Union and the African Development Bank in strengthening a multisectoral approach, and SUN’s recent success in decentralizing its offices to provide expertise closer to the countries. His advice to the SUN Movement to shine more brightly in its next phase? Focus on objectives for each region and work with regional communities.

Please join the debate! 

Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.co

Theme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz

© N4D Group 2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

N4D’s directors kick off the series with a deep dive into the past, the present and the future of the SUN Movement. What did the global nutrition architecture look like before SUN was set up, what was the impetus for the Movement’s creation, how was it intended to function and what have been its successes to date? They also speak candidly on whether the SUN Movement has reduced the fragmentation of nutrition and its related sectors - at both country and global level – and share their thoughts on what the new 4.0 strategy needs to include.

Please join the debate! 

Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.co

Theme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz

© N4D Group 2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.