A three-day global learning event on nutrition-sensitive social protection opened today in Islamabad, bringing together governments and development partners under the Global Task Force on Social Protection for Nutrition. Co-hosted by the Governments of Pakistan and Timor-Leste with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) serving as Secretariat, the gathering aims to strengthen collective action and exchange innovations that embed nutrition more deeply into national social protection systems.
Delegations from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Niger, Timor-Leste and Pakistan are sharing evidence, practical models and new approaches to tackling malnutrition through policies and programmes that protect vulnerable populations. As host, Pakistan is showcasing its leadership through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), widely regarded as a global model for poverty reduction and nutrition-inclusive social protection. Launched in 2020, its Benazir Nashonuma Programme targets pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two to prevent stunting, a severe consequence of malnutrition. A recent evaluation by Aga Khan University found stunting at six months to be 20 percent lower among programme beneficiaries—one of the most significant results recorded at scale.
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the national commitment to ending malnutrition, noting that every child deserves a healthy start and no family should face hardship alone. BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid affirmed determination to sustain and expand the programme’s progress in the coming years, highlighting that today’s investments shape the future generations.
WFP Representative and Country Director Coco Ushiyama noted that Pakistan’s success proves that integrating nutrition into social protection is achievable, impactful and cost-effective, but requires long-term political will and stable financing.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, H.E. Ceu Brites thanked Pakistan for hosting and called for transforming commitment into real, measurable impact. She also acknowledged support from the Government of France in advancing the work of the Global Task Force.
The event reflects a unified commitment to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and universal social protection (SDG 1.3), supporting a future where no child, woman, or man is left behind. It underscores the growing leadership of the Global South in shaping a nutrition-secure world built on collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.
