Combating Malnutrition

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Kailani Gardner

United Nations Children’s Fund
Combating Malnutrition
Malaysia
Kailani Gardner
City High Middle

The Delegation of Malaysia acknowledges that malnutrition stands as a critical global concern, the addressing of which is essential to cultivate a well-developed and prosperous future generation. Malnutrition is defined as a lack of proper nutrition, something often caused by not eating the right food or not eating enough nutritious foods. Malnutrition remains one of the most pressing threats to child development worldwide, encompassing undernutrition, stunting, wasting, and the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. Despite past efforts to combat this issue, UNICEF found that one-third of children under age 5 are malnourished, with two-thirds at risk of malnutrition due to poor diets. These conditions not only threaten a child’s survival but also create neurocognitive damage, hinder long-term economic productivity, and affect immune system response. The Delegation of Malaysia recognizes the roles that broken food systems, socioeconomic determinants, education, and poverty play in this issue, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive global effort that prioritizes equity and sustainable progress.

Malaysia recognizes the positive impacts of past efforts, such as the Ready to Use Food Program (RUTF), UN Sustainable Development Goal 2, the World Food Programme, and UNICEF’s own evaluations throughout the years. Moreover, the nation of Malaysia has executed various measures to combat malnutrition, most notably the National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia. The plan combats the double burden of malnutrition, creating dietary promotion, public education, and food security programs. The delegation of Malaysia notes UNICEF’s identification of poverty, food deserts, climate shocks, and poor education as large causes for malnutrition. Addressing this critical issue, therefore, requires a targeted, educated approach that accounts for socioeconomic and geographic disparities while strengthening national food systems and food equity for all.

The delegation of Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to national and international efforts that aim to address and combat the issue of malnutrition through informed programs and reforms that provide impactful, sustainable solutions. The delegation of Malaysia suggests the expansion of community education initiatives on nutrition to address problems of malnutrition surrounding nonnutritive diets. Second, Malaysia emphasizes the importance of expanding or creating programs that create increased access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved areas. Furthermore, Malaysia highly suggests investment in sustainable local food systems to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity, climate shocks, and food deserts. Through coordinated global initiatives that address immediate needs and create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of malnutrition, Malaysia believes the UN can ensure malnutrition is combatted, and it can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Work Cited
Children, Food and Nutrition: State of the World’s Children 2019 | Unicef Malaysia, www.unicef.org/malaysia/children-food-and-nutrition-state-worlds-children-2019. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
De Sanctis, Vincenzo, et al. “Early and Long-Term Consequences of Nutritional Stunting: From Childhood to Adulthood.” Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Feb. 2021, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7975963/.
FAO, faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mal158472.pdf. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
“Malaysia.” Global Nutrition Report | Country Nutrition Profiles – Global Nutrition Report, globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/asia/south-eastern-asia/malaysia/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
“Oxford Languages and Google – English: Oxford Languages.” Oxford Languages and Google – English | Oxford Languages, languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Fiona Rodrigues

Country: Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Committee: UNICEF
Topic: Combating Malnutrition
Name: Fiona Rodrigues
School: City High Middle School

The South Korea UNICEF organization needs to combat malnutrition through this project.

The document presents a Model UN position paper which represents South Korea in UNICEF to fight against malnutrition. The conference regulations allow you to adjust the length of your text through shortening or modifying its current content.

Malnutrition among children develops into a global threat which endangers the survival and development of millions of children who face both undernutrition and micronutrient shortcomings and increasing childhood obesity. The Republic of Korea identifies its past battle with severe child malnutrition as successfully resolved yet multiple low and middle income nations and their at risk communities in the Korean Peninsula continue to deal with both immediate and ongoing food shortage problems. As a high income donor state and former aid recipient South Korea believes UNICEF needs to implement two separate strategies which involve both preventing and treating undernutrition in the most affected countries and tackling new types of malnutrition that include childhood obesity.

The South Korean government demonstrates through its educational program that continuous funding for school meals and primary health services and poverty elimination programs can effectively decrease stunting and wasting among children. Korean children who are under five years old currently exhibit stunting rates of 2.5% and wasting rates of 1.2% which represent some of the lowest stunting and wasting rates found across Asian countries. To promote healthy eating habits South Korea implemented the Special Act on the Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life which prohibits unhealthy food marketing to children and establishes dietary requirements for food sold at schools and their surrounding areas. School based nutrition education programs with child development programs execute their educational programs through schools.

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Natalie Kingera

Iran
Committee: UNICEF

Combating Malnutrition

The discussion on child malnutrition is one important and crucial to the survival of next generations to come. Around the world, malnutrition remains one of the greatest threats to children and is responsible for around half the deaths under age 5. Many children are not getting the nutrition they need to grow up as a normal child. In Iran, effects like war and displacement are huge factors that play into the countries hunger crisis. Many other countries can relate to this, such as Sudan, Gaza, Mali, and Haiti. As the UN, it is our job to ensure that even with these factors, mothers and children are getting the resources they need to survive.
In Iran, malnutrition accounts for 35% of the deaths within the country. The largest cause for malnutrition is the inflation Iran has seen within our economy. The prices for protein, meat, fruits, and vegetables have continued to fluctuate. This creates a serious problem for impoverished families, as they are unable to buy the things they need to be healthy citizens. Malnutrition has also become a serious problem within schools. In August 2025, children started going back to school. Children that lived in rural parts of Iran had further walks that their classmates, which became a large problem. These kids would walk for long periods of time on an empty stomach, causing them to collapse. If by chance these kids would make it to school, empty stomachs made them unable to focus and learn throughout their day. Schools have seen many children suffering from stomach aches, abdominal pains, and general overall weakness. Along with this, between 50%-70% of Iran’s population has suffered with vitamin D deficiency, causing weakened immune systems and bone diseases. This information along with malnutrition overall poorly effects Iran’s health. Currently, the UNICEF is supporting the Iranian government to spread awareness about ways to combat this issue. Iran and the UNICEF are raising universal nutritional standards by implementing programs in primary healthcare. Doctors are required to collect data on nutritional statuses of mothers and children. Our government is currently working on creating healthy feeding practices for children under the age of 2 under nutritional surveillance and trying to target vulnerable groups within the country that need the most help. There are also current national dietary guidelines for schools within the works.
With all this information, the delegation of Iran understands the importance of this issue and that action must be taken by all countries to support the issue. This is why the delegation proposes that we must work together to provide access to nourishing foods around the world. A way this can happen is if we create the HWMF (Helping Worldly Malnourished Fund). This fund can be a branch from the UNICEF, where countries have access to helping fellow countries in need. Whether a country has resources to be able to help directly with the fund, or they have money to donate to support, this fund can make a real difference in fixing this issue. Through the fund, countries can support a country they choose, or they can pour in globally to a random country in need. Countries that are in need will sign themselves up for help, and their problems will be displayed on the HWMF website. The website with be accessible to anyone, where hopefully awareness about this issue will continue to spread.

MLA Citation

“Child Nutrition UNICEF Iran.” UNICEF, www.unicef.org/iran/en/child-nutrition#:~:text=The%20actions%20taken,The%20partners%20engaged. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

Mohades, Esmaeil. “Malnutrition Responsible for About 35% of Deaths in Iran.” Iran Focus, 21 Oct. 2025, iranfocus.com/uncategorized/55746-malnutrition-responsible-for-about-35-of-deaths-in-iran/#:~:text=By%20Esmaeil%20Mohades,Toughest%20Conditions%20Of%20Food%20Security’. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

SIMUN Background Guide

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Asher Sternberg

Children across the world face malnutrition, malnutrition in children is a violation of children’s rights. Eating right is good for children’s development and growth, especially in early childhood, one of the most valuable times in child development. There are many ways malnutrition takes place whether it is undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, or overweight/ obesity. Some of the historical facts and statistics of malnutrition in children are, in south asia there are 56 million kids who are malnourished and in sub-saharan Africa there are 62 million children who are malnourished. In 2024, 6.6% of children under five suffered from wasting and 1.9 suffered from severe wasting, that amounts to about 43 million and 12 million. Obesity and being overweight is an issue in all areas of the world, there are about 35.5 million malnutrition cases of overweight and obese children across the world. There have been some resolutions that have been passed on malnutrition for example the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016–2025) World Health Organization, it was a resolution eliminating malnutrition. In Belarus the amount of babies who died before five decreased from 15000 in 1990 to 2500 in 2023. Belarus has good food security, ranked 23 in the world. Belarus is exporting agricultural products and machines to other countries to help end horrors of malnutrition. Around 20% of fertilizers come from Belarus. Belarus is extremely food self-sufficient at around 96%. The Republic of Belarus would like to see cheaper options for fertilizers and agricultural appliances for the countries that might not be able to afford a mass amount of appliances. Another thing The Republic of Belarus wants to see is educating the people about malnutrition. Belarus also has an idea for a way we could do it called “AC/DC” agricultural decisions of countries, in the idea each country could decide how they would inform their citizens about malnutrition. Over all the Republic of Belarus wants to see the end of malnutrition. And a way to inform people about it.
RiverviewDelegates. “UNICEF Malnutrition – GLICA.org.” Glica.org, 6 Nov. 2025, glica.org/simun/committees/unicef-malnutrition/. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

UNICEF. “Malnutrition in Children – UNICEF Data.” UNICEF, May 2023, data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ .

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Asher Sternberg

Children across the world face malnutrition, malnutrition in children is a violation of children’s rights. Eating right is good for children’s development and growth, especially in early childhood, one of the most valuable times in child development. There are many ways malnutrition takes place whether it is undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, or overweight/ obesity. Some of the historical facts and statistics of malnutrition in children are, in south asia there are 56 million kids who are malnourished and in sub-saharan Africa there are 62 million children who are malnourished. In 2024, 6.6% of children under five suffered from wasting and 1.9 suffered from severe wasting, that amounts to about 43 million and 12 million. Obesity and being overweight is an issue in all areas of the world, there are about 35.5 million malnutrition cases of overweight and obese children across the world. There have been some resolutions that have been passed on malnutrition for example the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016–2025) World Health Organization, it was a resolution eliminating malnutrition. In Belarus the amount of babies who died before five decreased from 15000 in 1990 to 2500 in 2023. Belarus has good food security, ranked 23 in the world. Belarus is exporting agricultural products and machines to other countries to help end horrors of malnutrition. Around 20% of fertilizers come from Belarus. Belarus is extremely food self-sufficient at around 96%. The Republic of Belarus would like to see cheaper options for fertilizers and agricultural appliances for the countries that might not be able to afford a mass amount of appliances. Another thing The Republic of Belarus wants to see is educating the people about malnutrition. Belarus also has an idea for a way we could do it called “AC/DC” agricultural decisions of countries, in the idea each country could decide how they would inform their citizens about malnutrition. Over all the Republic of Belarus wants to see the end of malnutrition. And a way to inform people about it.
RiverviewDelegates. “UNICEF Malnutrition – GLICA.org.” Glica.org, 6 Nov. 2025, glica.org/simun/committees/unicef-malnutrition/. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

UNICEF. “Malnutrition in Children – UNICEF Data.” UNICEF, May 2023, data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ .

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Aurel Chatterjee

Position Paper – 2026 Combating Malnutrition

Committee: UNICEF
Agenda: Combating Malnutrition
Delegation: Greece
Aurel Chatterjee
Farmington High School

Malnutrition–coming in a wide variety of issues, ranging from undernutrition to overweight and obesity–lead to problems that have widespread cumulative repercussions on society if not dealt with. Deficiencies in essential nutrient classes as well as the effects of a sedentary lifestyle can lead to impaired mental and physical implication that the nation of Greece does not take lightly. Based on the data of the 2024 Household Income and Living Conditions Survey, the population at risk of poverty/social exclusion amounts to 26.9% of Greece’s population–increased by 0.8% since 2023. Keeping the ever-growing number of vulnerable families that are at risk of food insecurity and poor diet in mind, Greece is in full agreement with the Sustainable Development Goals put forth by the United Nations that focus on ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition while achieving food security and improved nutrition.

Over the past several years, Greece has put into action a series of systematic goals to address problems occurring related to food insecurity and malnutrition–namely, the quality of diet and expanded knowledge related to making smart dietary decisions.
According to research from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Greece has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in Europe. Greece recognizes the importance of addressing malnutrition and has therefore implemented a ‘National Recovery and Resilience Plan,’ facilitated by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with UNICEF, aiming to reduce obesity rates among children aged 2–14 by over 10%. Additionally, the nation of Greece has responded in kind to the threat of food insecurity for low-income individuals that has plagued the world, especially in nations experiencing economic inequality. Low-income families are at a significantly increased risk of food insecurity due to rising prices for nutritious, fulfilling food.

In particular, Greece is proud to , reaffirming its belief that everyone should have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food, consistent with the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger (HRC/52/L.24). By working to continue using the Universal Declaration on the Eradication of Hunger and Malnutrition as a guide, Greece aims to protect the well-being of each and every one of its citizens, and the promotion and protection of all human rights across the globe. The delegation of Greece invites other nations to collaborate on future reforms concerning the expansion of public education services regarding making healthy consumption choices as well working with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to address future issues.

Works Cited:
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4092732?ln=en
https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/042d41d4-d995-48e4-5bf3-50d7d320acef#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20data%20of,26.1%25)%20(Graph%201).
https://extranet.who.int/countryplanningcycles/sites/default/files/public_file_rep/GRC_Greece_National-Action-Plan-for-Public-Health_%202021-2025.pdf
https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals/zero-hunger

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Thomson Manoj

Delegation of Ukraine
Farmington High School
Thomson Manoj

Ukraine sees child malnutrition as a huge problem, and the war since 2022 has made
everything worse. Because of war, a lot of homes, farms, hospitals, and water systems
are damage, and millions had to evacuate where they resided, which makes it more
difficult for them to access enough healthy food, clean water, and basic healthcare for
children. This affects children in the frontlines and freshly liberated areas the most,
along with kids in institutions, with disabilities, and kids part of families that suddenly fell
into poverty.
Ukraine works with UNICEF and other partners to keep children as safe and healthy as
possible in these situations. UNICEF has teams in many regions that support
healthcare, immunization, nutrition, education, safe water, mental health support, and
monetary assistance for affected families. Teams also help repair damages schools and
water systems so affected communities can get back on their feet. Ukraine believes
fighting malnutrition is not charity but a basic human right, so that every child, no matter
where they live or who they are, should be able to have access to nutritious food, clean
water, healthcare, and basic health info, in line with the Conventions on the Rights of
the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ukraine is asking UNICEF and other countries to focus more on nutrition when they
respond to conflicts such as this one. In the short term, Ukraine asks for more screening
and treatment for severely malnourished children, stronger water and sanitation
systems, humanitarian monetary support to help families buy necessities, and school
meal programs if possible. In the long term, Ukraine wants support to rebuild health and
water systems, keep investing in resilient food systems and farmers, and expand child-
focused social protection and cash programs so families can protect their children from
future shocks and crises. The goal is not to just keep children alive during the war, but
to help them thrive by giving them a real chance to grow, learn, and live out their lives
afterward.

Works Cited (MLA)
“Armenia to Ukraine: UNICEF Maps Out Humanitarian Action for Children in
2024.” UNICEF USA, 17 Dec. 2023, www.unicefusa.org/stories/armenia-ukraine-unicef-
maps-out-humanitarian-action-children-2024.

“UNICEF Won’t Stop Helping Children in Ukraine: Full-Scale War Hits 2-Year
Mark.” UNICEF USA, 8 May 2025, www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-wont-stop-helping-
children-ukraine-full-scale-war-hits-2-year-mark.
War in Ukraine: Over 700 Days of Loss and Unyielding Resilience. UNICEF, Feb.
2024, www.unicef.dk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ukraine-war_over-700-days-of-loss-
and-unyielding-resilience_final-draft_online.pdf. ​

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Zainab Ali

POSITION PAPER
COMMITTEE: UNICEF
AGENDA: Combatting Malnutrition
DELEGATION: Vietnam

Malnutrition—referring to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients—is a violation of children’s rights. According to the State of the World’s Children 2019: Children, Food and Nutrition report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in three children under five is not properly growing due to malnutrition. The triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, hidden hunger, and overweight—threatens the survival, growth, and development of children, as well as economies and nations. This not only puts the populace’s health at stake but also nations’ stances on a global scale- this dilemma acting as both a driver and consequence of instability, poverty, and hindered development. If not provided a resolution sooner, the health and productivity of societies will significantly diminish, leading to economic losses, social inequalities, increased rates of chronic disease, and multigenerational cycles of poverty. With this, the state of Vietnam reiterates the necessity of international cooperation and solidarity from each nation to prohibit measures not in accordance with international law and that endanger food and nutrition security. Instead, embracing the notion of organizing collective solutions to global issues of food and nutrition security in a world of interlinked institutions, societies, and economies

Over the past decades, Vietnam has experienced rapid growth accompanied by significant shifts in diet, lifestyle, and health behaviors. Undernutrition and overnutrition now coexist as a result of this shift. More specifically, the correlation between these effects and behaviors indicated that this change occurred during the 1990s, when we experienced a drastic boom from Doi Moi reforms, with GDP growth averaging around 7% annually. Unfortunately, our strong economy and globalization have encouraged the consumption of highly processed foods that are full of artificial flavorings, sugar, and chemicals, so it is now only natural that Vietnamese children face the growing probability of obesity. In fact, data from the National Institute of Nutrition shows that the rate of overweight and obesity among school-aged children has more than doubled in a decade, from 8.5 percent in 2010 to 19 percent in 2020. And in all, a general 38% increase was reported in overweight cases, surpassing many neighboring countries. The crisis is particularly threatening in urban centers, where, in Ho Chi Minh City, over 50% of youth are identified as overweight or obese. By contrast, rural areas report a lower prevalence at 18.3 percent, though the numbers are still climbing. Poor nutrition, too, leaves its mark on our generations’ adolescents, with 1.8 million children under five and more than one-third of ethnic minorities of the same age bracket classified as stunted. And 58% have deficiencies in zinc, which is imperative for proper immune and cell development alongside the ability to heal. It is illustrated that victims of undernutrition were regarded as residing in rural areas, children with low birth weight, and those with poor socio-economic status, whereas living in urban and affluent areas and having an inactive lifestyle were associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity (National Institute of Health).

The delegation of Vietnam has made an array of efforts in order to mitigate the effects of obesity and undernutrition on our youth and citizens. In 2023, our Ministry of Health released Circular 29/2023, which provides guidelines for mandatory nutrition labeling on food products. In 2022, our ministry implemented updated guidelines for the treatment and diagnosis of obesity, expressing the delegation’s desire to explore and properly approach the rising problem. Most relevant, the government’s National Nutrition Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045, intends to better the nutritional status of adults and children with goals to improve water and sanitation, promote food and nutrition literacy, and reduce food waste so that good-quality food reaches those who need it most. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular the Sustainable Development Goals on ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, is the most important UN resolution that we repeatedly cite while anticipating our tread. UNICEF Vietnam has additionally aided in the support of drafting multiple resolutions for addressing and combatting malnutrition. SAM helps health authorities provide life-saving therapies, policy and guideline support, and advocacy and spreads awareness regarding the problem, too.

The delegation of Vietnam proposes a multi-step solution so as to alleviate the effects of malnutrition on both a domestic and international scale. Firstly, the delegation asks for the international commitment of the UN to the Rome Declaration on Nutrition to enshrine the right of everyone to access safe and sufficient food, swaying governments into preventing malnutrition in all forms. Secondly, the delegation of Vietnam’s National Nutrition Strategy for 2021-2030 is a notable draft for the UN, where we bid with funding from mandatory accessed contributions and emphasize implementing proper nutrition from rural to urban areas within facilities/schools, strengthening communication and education on said topic, and promoting basic research on nutrition and food suitable for both Vietnamese and global children to adapt to local conditions.

Sources

https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/718687?ln=en&v=pdf
Policies, Interventions and Actions: Vietnam
Prevalence, determinants, intervention strategies and current gaps in addressing childhood malnutrition in Vietnam: a systematic review – PMC
Vietnam’s Obesity Crisis: A Growing Public Health Challenge – Broadsheet Asia
https://www.unicef.org/vietnam/nutrition

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.

Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: France
Delegate Name: Siddaly Sykes

Committee: UNICEF
Delegation: France
Name: Siddaly Sykes

Combatting Malnutrition
Malnutrition has proven to be one of, if not the greatest threats to children’s survival globally. For children under the age of five, malnutrition is the cause for half of all recorded deaths. The causes of malnutrition are dependent on each country, and the forms in which malnutrition take are also varied. Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, stunting, and wasting are all examples of malnutrition exhibited in children across the world. Though prevalent in every country, malnutrition is most often aligned with impoverished areas, areas of conflict, and countries where climate change has devastating impacts. All of these factors lead to inadequate access to healthcare, lack of education, and lack of food and clean water resources, ultimately contributing to malnutrition amongst children in these areas. While we must focus on directly assisting those affected currently by implementing aid programs and providing these groups with adequate nutritional resources, We must simultaneously focus on addressing the long term effects malnutrition could have on these groups. The World Bank states that children experience acute malnutrition across particularly South Asia and Africa will grow up to be less than half as successful as they could be, creating a terrible cycle of poverty, malnourishment, and underdevelopment in these areas (France). The adverse effects malnutrition has had and will continue to have on children and in turn on the world cannot continue at the rates in which they are today.
The Delegation of France considers solving the issue of malnutrition in children to be a top priority. For France, malnutrition most commonly takes the form of anemia, low birth weight, obesity, and diabetes, and occurs in children as well as adults (France). These issues are often not life threatening for children in France, but with trying to completely eradicate the issue of malnutrition, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 2, the Delegation of France is working to address these internal issues through a myriad of initiatives and programs. From a global standpoint, France has taken major strides towards reducing malnutrition, becoming an established “champion of nutrition”, collaborating with other countries to eliminate malnutrition across the world (Leading). The Agence Française de Développment (AFD) is the world’s oldest development bank and recognizes the importance of secure and stable nutritional systems and products for children. The AFD has consistently supported the French- owned Action Against Hunger (ACF), the only operational NGO solely focused on eliminating malnutrition (Leading). The ACF, since its creation in 1979, has connected with over 50 countries to provide nutritional support, has developed methods in which to measure malnutrition which are now used universally, and has developed several life-saving innovative nutritional solutions (Leading). France also, in 2025, led the meeting Nutrition for Growth Summit (N4G) which assembled several members of the UN to discuss and develop commitments to solving the issue of malnutrition as well as the issues caused by malnutrition. At the end over 400 commitments were created with over $28 billion provided to focus on enhancing sustainable food systems, improve health systems, and increase global access to basic food security and health coverage (Final). These ideas, supported and largely funded by France are important steps towards France’s goals of eradicating malnutrition, but real, impactful action is needed to realize these objectives.
The crises we face today are multifaceted, complex issues that can only be solved through coordinated action between each country of the United Nations. With the commitments outlined in N4G, each able country must uphold their obligations to fund the developments enacted through international cooperation. With funding, the delegation of France stresses the point that we must direct our funds to the most vulnerable areas to create the most cost-effective solutions. With that, we must first address the outstanding challenges affecting these areas, such as poverty, lack of education, and other social conditions widening the gap between the rich and poor. By directing funds to creating cost effective nutritional solutions such as SQLNS, increasing educational opportunities, and providing job opportunities in areas most heavily impacted, we have the ability to end the cycle of hunger and suffering too many children and their families endure. The delegation of France believes that we must also dedicate a portion of the funding collected to an emergency fund for crises that should arise around the world. Not only would this act as a safety net possibly saving millions of lives from facing malnutrition or death, but would also ensure the vicious cycle of poverty malnutrition creates cannot begin. The steps to reducing malnutrition are not easy, and the crises that we face today are formidable. This being said, we as the United Nations cannot stand idly by while millions of children die because of malnutrition. Collaboration and organization is the only way to creating and maintaining impactful solutions, and the Delegation of France believes that a future without malnutrition crises is possible if we can work together.

Works Cited
“AFD Group and Nutrition.” AFD, www.afd.fr/en/ressources/afd-group-and-nutrition. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Final Statement, nutritionforgrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EN-20250704-Joint-Statement-N4G-Paris_Final-version_website.pdf. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
“France.” Global Nutrition Report | Country Nutrition Profiles – Global Nutrition Report, globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/europe/western-europe/france/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
“Leading the Fight against Malnutrition: France’s Historic Role in the Run-up to Nutrition for Growth.” Donor Tracker, donortracker.org/publications/leading-the-fight-against-malnutrition-france-s-historic-role-in-the-run-up-to-nutrition-for-growth#france-as-a-nutrition-champion. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Victoria Kim

Kingdom of Denmark
United Nations Children’s Fund
Combating Malnutrition
Victoria Kim
City High Middle School

Decades and decades of the Danish malnutrition period (DMP) began in 1999, characterized by a sharp increase in elderly malnutrition-related deaths that peaked in 2004 to 2007. This hidden crisis is often discussed as driven by factors including new diet policies and ongoing undernutrition trends that have outpaced traditional dietary support systems. From 1998 to 2018, statistics have shown that approximately 3.1% of boys and 5.3% of girls aged 11-15 were underweight, with 39.9% of hospital patients at risk of malnutrition. In many developing and developed countries, food access is not a problem, but high intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats lead to obesity with malnutrition. Especially in recent years, loss of appetite, chewing and swallowing problems and chronic diseases are prioritized concerns in elderly Danes. A key aspect of this committee is to target issues that lead to malnutrition and define specific measures needed to be taken to create a global nutritional framework. Whether it is low-level, hidden malnutrition largely among elderly citizens in more developed countries (MDCs) or crisis-level malnutrition, particularly stunting in children, malnutrition needs to be addressed through a unified global strategy.

Denmark believes that combating malnutrition should be deemed as a pivotal concern for the wellbeing of Danish citizens and citizens of all countries. The increased use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease in developing farming systems has led to the origination of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Denmark is a world leader in fighting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as we believe that this weakens immune systems, further leading to compromised nutritional statuses of Danes. As a health-focused nation, Denmark hopes to put an emphasis on combating malnutrition through encouraging healthy food policies including the Danish Healthy Food Council (2018) and Danish Food Partnership for Health and Climate (2019) to increase the supply and demand of healthier food products.

Nutritional care quality is inconsistent across regions remains a pressing issue, as it inflates healthcare costs, prolongs recovery time, and places a strain on Denmark’s public health system. To address this systemic issue, Denmark hopes to unleash its “One-Health” expertise–originally developed to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)–to create a global nutritional framework. Denmark believes that resolutions should be centered around a global sustainable food system fund with the encouragement of the growth of “Global School Meal Coalition”; targeting food waste and supply preservation; and prioritizing Cash-Based Transfers (CBTs) to invest in long-term markets.

Position papers for SIMUN 2026 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.