Your Excellency Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, Your Excellency Vice President Michel Temer of Brazil, Ms. Jamie Cooper-Hohn, President of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Ladies and Gentlemen,

No child should suffer the injustice of malnutrition.  Yet one in four will be stunted by chronic malnutrition -- unless we act.

Overcoming stunting is a vital element of the Zero Hunger Challenge, my vision for a world where everyone enjoys their right to adequate food and good nutrition.

I applaud the United Kingdom, Brazil and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation for bringing together so many leaders to sign the “Global Nutrition for Growth Compact.”

These commitments can support childrens’ development, help hundreds of millions of people and boost the economies of some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.  The UN system and I will do everything within our power to see them fulfilled.

I have seen in my own life what it takes to break the shackles of hunger and poverty.

I have seen, across the world, the importance of farmers’ organizations, education, health care, water and sanitation services, and action against climate change.  

I know that we must empower women so that they are well-nourished before and during pregnancy, and can breast feed their infants.

More than 30 countries have joined the Scale Up Nutrition Movement.  They are forging promising partnerships with civil society and businesses.  And they are being supported by the Committee on World Food Security, the revamped system for global governance in this vital area.

I welcome your commitment to a fairer world where all children have the opportunity to realize their ambitions, and where all people are on the path towards the Millennium Development Goals and truly sustainable development.

Thank you.