Malnutrition is ‘unacceptable’ in the 21st century, says Sheikha Lubna

The Minister of International Cooperation and Development was speaking at the 'Nutrition for Growth: Beating Hunger Through Business & Science' international conference in London.

ABU DHABI // Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the Minister of International Cooperation and Development, told a summit in the UK that malnutrition needed to be tackled urgently.
"It is unacceptable for us to be in the 21st century and have the capability to provide nutritious food for all, especially mothers and young children, and yet still not do so," said Sheikha Lubna, who led a UAE delegation to the "Nutrition for Growth: Beating Hunger Through Business & Science" international conference in London on Saturday.
The conference was aimed to shed light on undernourishment, with an emphasis on mothers and children.
Addressing participants, including the British prime minister, David Cameron, Sheikha Lubna said the world's leaders and decision makers "need to make firmer commitments to resolving the pervasive threat of malnutrition".
She also stressed the UAE's support for the fourth Millennium Development Goal, which aimed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. She said the UAE was proud of its food aid work in countries such as Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"A crucial aspect of the UAE's successful provision of food and nutrition security is the harmonious work between its Government and private sectors," Sheikha Lubna said.
"The UAE is pleased to be a part of the conference to help rally the world in harnessing business and science to ensure a hunger-free and healthy future."
At the conference Sheikha Lubna met with Alan Duncan MP, the UK international development minister, and Julian Fantino, the Canadian international cooperation minister, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in global development and relief work.
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