Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Rishi Babu
Committee: UNICEF
Topic: Combating Malnutrition
Country: Russian Federation
School: Farmington High School
Malnutrition is a condition that comes from a lack of important nutrients or calories. Malnutrition is one of the biggest issues towards the survival and development of children. The United Nations Children’s Fund states that nearly half of all deaths in children under five are caused by undernutrition. More specifically, 45 million children under five suffer from wasting while 148 million children are stunted as of 2024. The scope of malnutrition is very large, consisting of many different forms, further enforcing the significance of the issue to developing children. Malnutrition includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and more. Along with the forms of malnutrition, the scope of the causes of malnutrition is also very large and differs from nation to nation. Some of the main causes of malnutrition consist of poverty, conflict, climate change, economic instability, and lack of healthcare or education. Combating malnutrition needs to be addressed immediately because it threatens the long term economic stability of countries and the social well being of children. Moreover, children in conflict affected and developing regions are at the most risk because of less humanitarian aid. Russia believes that combating malnutrition is important to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger.
In the past, UNICEF has stated that malnutrition is the single largest contributor to child mortality globally. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 is notable here because it directly correlates with the malnutrition issue. Russia has worked with the UN World Food Programme with initiatives targeting child nutrition and food assistance amidst crises. Russia has also been a part of agricultural development partnerships in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Russia believes in keeping food and agriculture separate from politics as sanctions or trade barriers worsen malnutrition.
Malnutrition in Russia exists at lower rates than it does in the Global South but some issues still exist like obesity, anemia, and concerns with low birth weight. Russia has taken much domestic action towards this issue like the National Project “Demography” in 2019 which aims to improve maternal nutrition and expand perinatal care centers. The Federal Project “Strengthening Public Health” with the goal of balancing diets, reducing obesity, and educating about nutrition further helped Russia with reducing malnutrition. These are just some of the actions that Russia has taken to combat malnutrition. These policies all fall under Russia’s food security doctrine which aims for stable food supply and to create a framework for nutrition. Russia supports cooperation with UN bodies and other nations and advocates for keeping food security apart from political restrictions.
In order to combat malnutrition, Russia believes the UN should strengthen rapid nutrition response funds through UNICEF to address crises as fast as possible. In addition, the UN should support agricultural partnerships especially in vulnerable regions. Russia also holds that member states should invest in local agricultural production so that they depend less on global markets. Member states also should expand and develop their school meal programs and maternal health services. These methods to combat malnutrition will work because not only does it improve emergency response, but it also creates long term solutions such as local development of food. This addresses immediate needs from malnutrition and also fixes root causes of malnutrition for the long run.
Works Cited
“Child Nutrition – UNICEF DATA.” UNICEF Data, https://data.unicef.org/nutrition. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“Malnutrition in Children – UNICEF DATA.” UNICEF Data, 21 July 2025, https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“Russian Federation (RUS) – Demographics, Health & Infant Mortality – UNICEF DATA.” UNICEF Data, https://data.unicef.org/country/rus/. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“security in the Russian Federation.” Food security in the Russian Federation, https://www.fao.org/4/y5069e/y5069e03.htm. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 – UNICEF DATA.” UNICEF Data, 8 August 2025, https://data.unicef.org/resources/sofi-2025/. Accessed 12 February 2026.
