Finland to increase financial support for global school meals coalition

The global coalition of school meals is at the forefront of rallying local governments in Africa to prioritize funding and tackle food security challenges facing the continent. Pasi Hellman, the Under-Secretary of State for International Development in Finland, shed light on Finland's role in supporting this crucial initiative during an interview with CNBC Africa. Finland, serving as one of the co-chairs in the coalition, is actively involved in promoting sustainable solutions in partnership with African nations. During the interview, Hellman expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with the Kenyan government, emphasizing the importance of investing in school meal programs. Finland's commitment to fostering mutually beneficial projects and relations with African countries extends beyond financial support. By leveraging government development funding, Finland aims to facilitate connections between Kenyan and Finnish businesses, fostering economic growth and cooperation. Notably, Finland has a longstanding history of providing universal free school meals, dating back 80 years. This experience serves as a valuable resource in supporting global school meal initiatives. Through partnerships with organizations like the World Food Programme, Finland contributes to school meal programs in Kenya, aligning with the coalition's goal of achieving universal school meal provision by 2030. The ministerial meeting in Nairobi signifies a critical milestone in advancing the school meals agenda in Africa. Hellman highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the pivotal role of national and local governments in driving progress. By working together on a global scale, countries can address common challenges and promote positive initiatives that benefit communities worldwide. The scale of the challenge posed by food insecurity in schools is significant, with the Kenyan government aiming to provide school meals for 10 million students by 2030. The global coalition's target of universal school meal provision by the same year underscores the urgent need for collective action. By leveraging diverse perspectives and sharing best practices, both developed and developing nations can contribute to sustainable solutions in the education and nutrition sectors. Moreover, Hellman acknowledged the interconnected nature of agricultural productivity, climate change, and school meals. As weather patterns continue to shift, impacting agricultural output, the school meal program faces potential disruptions. However, the integration of climate-friendly practices in food provision can mitigate these challenges and create opportunities for local businesses and farmers. In conclusion, Finland's support for the global school meals coalition exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing food security challenges in Africa. By promoting collaboration, sharing expertise, and advocating for sustainable solutions, Finland and its partners pave the way for a brighter future for school children across the continent.