In preparation for the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit slated for 27th and 28th March, 2025, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) contributed to the N4G mobilization efforts by organizing a series of Multistakeholder Nutrition Dialogues in India.
The first dialogue brought together participants from diverse sectors, including civil society organizations, government representatives, and private sector actors, spanning different economic, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. It aimed at integrating nutrition into responsible business practices and set the stage for the
second dialogue, which positioned Workforce Nutrition (WFN) as a vital agenda within the private sector.
The second dialogue convened participants from various sectors, including
healthcare professionals, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the HR sector to assess challenges and identify actionable opportunities for WFN. Participants highlighted several challenges hindering the integration of nutrition indicators into business practices and reporting frameworks, as well as the creation of Workforce Nutrition Programs (WNPs) within companies.
One of the challenges companies face in incorporating workforce nutrition into the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework is unclear reporting guidelines in India. Participants urged the need for sector-specific standards to ensure fair and accurate reporting.
Additionally, mid-sized companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face significant barriers due to the lack of resources and guidance to implement workforce nutrition programs effectively. For these reasons, participants strongly highlighted the importance of public-private sector partnerships to create a supportive ecosystem to advance workforce nutrition. Emphasis was laid on the need for government-led incentives to make these solutions more attractive.
The two Stakeholder Dialogues in India highlighted the need to incorporate WFN into broader sustainability frameworks, including corporate reporting and evaluation structures. Participants highlighted the crucial role of corporate leadership, organizational structures, and public-private partnerships in driving the success of these programs, emphasizing the potential impact of government incentives. Ways to educate the population and raise awareness about nutrition were explored, acknowledging the cultural and belief-based challenges that arise from India’s rich diversity.
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