The inaugural session facilitated experience sharing and strategic discussions among donors, focusing on the future development of nutrition governance.
This three-day symposium aims to showcase the achievements and future direction of the JANO initiative and the EU’s Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) program, reflecting the collaborative efforts of CARE’s JANO consortium, BNNC, and FPMU.
Ram Das, Country Director of CARE Bangladesh, delivered the opening remarks, stressing the importance of a comprehensive governance framework that integrates nutrition into all sectors of development. Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Director General (In-Charge) of BNNC, followed with a speech highlighting the successful outcomes of the JANO Project in Rangpur and Nilphamari, advocating for its expansion to other regions. He emphasized the need to enhance local-level nutrition governance mechanisms based on JANO’s experiences.
During the event, a storybook detailing the inspiring journey of the JANO project was unveiled.
Dr. Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, Acting Civil Surgeon and Member Secretary of DNCC, Nilphamari, commended the enduring collaboration with JANO, expressing confidence that JANO’s efforts have ensured his community’s sound understanding of nutrition.
Professor Dr. Md Hasibur Rashid, Vice Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, highlighted the necessity of fostering both healthy and informed citizens, noting the crucial work being undertaken in Nilphamari and Rangpur.
Dr. Md Shahid Uz Zaman, Executive Director of ESDO, acknowledged the complexities of multisectoral coordination, praising BNNC’s efforts while recognizing the ongoing challenges in eradicating nutrition issues.
JANO has played a crucial role in promoting multisectoral collaboration and building synergies among key actors in nutrition governance in Bangladesh. The FNS Program’s implementing partners have supported various governmental departments, including eight ministries and numerous agencies, to deliver their nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive activities.
Margherita Capalbi, Programme Manager – Agriculture and Rural Development, Food and Nutrition Security, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, noted that the introduction of climate-smart techniques and practices has significantly reduced the risk of crop failure and food shortages.
The symposium brought together high-level government officials, donors, international development experts, journalists, business leaders, FNS program partners, practitioners, and academics, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategies for advancing nutrition governance in Bangladesh.
