WorldFish at N4G Paris 2025: Scaling Aquatic Food Solutions for Global Nutrition

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The 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris is a defining moment to accelerate global nutrition commitments and drive real impact toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As world leaders gather to pledge bold, SMART actions, WorldFish is bringing five decades of experience to the table—proving that aquatic foods are a game-changer in the fight against malnutrition.

For 50 years, WorldFish has worked across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, pioneering science-driven, nutrition-sensitive solutions that integrate fish and other aquatic foods into food systems. From smallholder fish farms in Zambia to school meal programs in India and Timor-Leste, our work ensures that nutritious, sustainable aquatic foods reach the people who need them most.

Why Aquatic Foods? A Missing Piece in Global Nutrition

Malnutrition isn’t just about lack of food—it’s about lack of the right food. Millions suffer from hidden hunger, missing out on essential nutrients like omega-3s, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and calcium. Small fish, seaweed, and shellfish are nutrition powerhouses, yet policy gaps, affordability challenges, and limited access prevent them from reaching vulnerable populations.

The world is investing billions in nutrition interventions—yet overlooking one of the most powerful, affordable, and scalable solutions right in front of us: aquatic foods. These foods aren’t just a side dish; they’re a primary nutrition solution that can fill critical dietary gaps, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where malnutrition is most severe. It's time to stop treating fish and other aquatic foods as an afterthought and start recognizing them as essential to global food and nutrition security.

WorldFish's Goals at N4G Paris Summit 2025

At the Summit, we aim to:

  • Put aquatic foods at the heart of nutrition policies, programs, and investments across sectors.
  • Forge partnerships to scale innovations that enhance diets, livelihoods, and resilience.
  • Showcase real-world success stories of how aquatic foods drive better nutrition outcomes globally.

From Zanzibar’s dried fish trade to Bangladesh’s nutrient-rich small fish and Myanmar’s innovative fish-based products, our work spans local to global solutions, making aquatic foods an essential part of sustainable food systems.

Spotlight: Transforming Nutrition in Timor-Leste with Aquatic Foods

In Timor-Leste, malnutrition remains a serious challenge, especially for women and children. The first 1,000 days of life are critical for growth, and yet, diets often lack essential nutrients.

Aquatic foods—small fish, shellfish, and seaweed—are nutrient powerhouses. But how do we ensure they reach the plates of those who need them most?

In 2024, WorldFish conducted a groundbreaking study on diet quality and aquatic food consumption in Timor-Leste, identifying key knowledge gaps and informing strategies to enhance nutrition through fish and fish-based products.

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A farmer with seaweed in its culture site in Atauro Island, Timor-Leste

Join Us at N4G Paris 2025!

As WorldFish celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are scaling our impact like never before. Our mission is clear: ensure aquatic foods are fully recognized as a critical solution for global nutrition security.

Let’s make 2025 a turning point for nutrition. We invite partners, policymakers, and innovators to join us at N4G Paris to shape a future where nutritious, sustainable aquatic foods are accessible to all.

We look forward to your active participation. Click here to learn more.

 

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Celebrating 50 Years of Science, Innovation & Impact in 2025!