Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Eden Lynch
February 02, 2026
United Nations Children’s Fund
Japan
Combating Malnutrition
The State of Japan recognizes malnutrition as one of the greatest threats to child survival and is committed to combating it. Already, Japan has provided significant financial assistance to many countries around the world in efforts to minimize the issue. The State of Japan has adopted a standpoint that focuses on leaving no one behind, which focuses the nation’s funds towards many regions around the world, especially where malnutrition is most prevalent. Japan is one of the World Food Programme’s top donors and remains committed to its role in this topic.
Japan acknowledges the unattainability of short-term solutions and looks for the committee to focus on finding long-term stability for this problem. Potential solutions supported by Japan include finding more sustainable food options, assisting countries in strengthening their local agriculture capacity, and providing food-based education programs. Japan plans to work with many countries to find a solution that will promote healthy food habits and stability.
As a global leader in combating malnutrition, the State of Japan is committed to finding a feasible solution and is ready to contribute in any way possible. Locally, Japan has made many efforts aimed at combating malnutrition and hopes to use these ideas to work towards a global solution. In Japan, there has been legislation put in place, such as the School Lunch Program Act in 1954 which focuses on providing healthy food options at schools; there have been initiatives enforced, such as Shokuiku which promotes food appreciation and educates children on nutrition, and Japan has hosted educational nutrition-based events such as the 2021 Tokyo Nutrition for Growth, which aimed to end malnutrition and mobilized commitments toward more sustainable food options. Further, Japan is prepared to continue providing financial assistance to countries in need to help in the short term.
Japan highlights the importance of this issue and the effects it clearly has on the global youth. Japan suggests that, through global collaboration, the UN focuses on a long-term solution that can effectively combat malnutrition. The State of Japan knows that by working together, the UN can increase nutritional stability and health all around the world.
Sources
“6 Solutions to End Hunger and Malnutrition: WFP Appeal to G7 Leaders in Hiroshima | World Food Programme.” Www.wfp.org, 17 May 2023, www.wfp.org/stories/6-solutions-end-hunger-and-malnutrition-wfp-appeal-g7-leaders-hiroshima.
Global Child Nutrition Foundation. “Shokuiku – How Japan Leverages School Meals as a “Living Textbook” for Lifelong Healthy Eating · GCNF.” GCNF, 26 June 2024, gcnf.org/how-japan-leverages-school-meals-as-a-living-textbook-for-lifelong-healthy-eating/.
“UN World Food Programme (WFP).” Wfp.org, 21 Feb. 2025, www.wfp.org/news/wfp-welcomes-japans-commitment-action-against-global-hunger.
“White Paper on Development Cooperation 2019 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.” Www.mofa.go.jp, www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/white/2019/html/main/02/02-03-08.html.
