Joint IUNS-UNU-UNICEF Capacity Building and Leadership Training Workshop, July 24-25^th 2003, New York

The combined interests of the IUNS-UNU Capacity Building initiative and those of UNICEF to enlarge the international, regional and national Nutrition Programme Workforce and Leadership in Nutrition were developed at UNICEF in July 2004.

IUNS was represented by the President, Professor Mark L. Wahlqvist and President-Elect, Professor Ricardo Uauy, UNU by Professor Cutberto Garza and UNICEF by Dr Rainer Gross (Nutrition Chief), Dr Miriam Labbok, Dr Ian Darnton-Hill, Dr Pieter Bulter and Dr Rudolf Messinger along with other support staff.

UNICEF had undertaken an analysis of the competencies required for this work-force in so far as attitudes, knowledge and skills were required.  There were supplemented by inputs from other UN agencies, notably the WFP (World Food Programme), represented by Patrick Webb.

The Manila guidelines for Categories for Capacity Building were used as a reference point.  Priority areas in International Nutrition were reviewed.

The importance of local and regional decision-making was underscored.  The need for an African focus was emphasized.  A timetable which dove-tailed with existing UNICEF and IUNS-UNU Work Plans was set.  A programme which targeted Emerging Nutrition was articulated, taking account of vital issues like governance, conflict resolution and HIV/AIDS, with other priority areas to follow.

Resources would be pooled between UN agencies, which would also serve as mentors and provide internships.  IUNS-UNU would be convenor and facilitator with, at all times, local groups, or enterprises, taking the lead.

Reviews of progress and integrated workshops could take place at the IUNS/APCNS WCCCN (World Congress of Clinical Nutrition) in Brisbane, Australia, August 11-13^th 2004 and at the IUNS ICN (International Congress of Nutrition) in Durban 19-24^th September 2005.