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Statement to the World Health Assembly on NGOs, May 2003

WHA Draft Policy for Relations with Nongovernmental Organisations, EB111/22
Statement by the International Special Dietary Foods Industry (ISDI)to the WHA, May 2003

Thank you Chair for this opportunity to address the members of the World Health Assembly on behalf of the International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI).

The 2002 World Health Report sent a clear message about the work that remains to be done to address malnutrition across the globe. More now than ever, strong partnerships are needed.

On behalf of ISDI, I wish to affirm our long-standing commitment to working with WHO to improve foods for special dietary uses including foods for infants and young children. UN organisations have long recognised that NGOs representing consumers, business and industry are core members of civil society, and we greatly value this position.

WHO has already stood for transparency in its relations with the NGO sector. We agree fully, and believe that the important element of transparency relates to applying the same standards to all NGOs. These NGOs should be afforded the same rights, privileges and opportunities, including equal access to the WHA and Executive Board sessions.

In addition efforts to streamline accreditation and collaboration requirements for all NGOs are a very welcome reform of the onerous practices currently in place. Such efforts must retain the principle of non-discrimination instituted in the current WHO policy and guidelines.

ISDI members are helping combat malnutrition by continuously seeking to develop better, more nutritious products for infants, young children and adults who have specific nutritional needs. We can further contribute to the work of WHO by sharing our scientific expertise and innovative, invaluable research.

Public/Private partnerships are continuing to play a critical role in achieving positive outcomes on public health. As the UN agenda increasingly centers on specific strategies to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals and the Plan of Implementation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, our collaboration is vital. WHA’s NGO policy must recognise that fact by setting policies that impose the same requirements on all NGOs.

Thank you, Chair.

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