Indo-Canadian Afshan Khan appointed UN Nutrition Coordinator

Washington: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Indo-Canadian Afshan Khan as the coordinator of the ‘Scaling up Nutrition Movement’, a nutrition campaign.

The ‘Scaling up Nutrition Movement’ is an initiative led by 65 countries and four Indian states to eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

“Afshan Khan will replace Garda Warburg of the Netherlands. The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude for their efforts and dedication in leading the campaign to promote nutrition.” Dujarric said India-born Khan will head the ‘Scaling up Nutrition Movement’ secretariat. Khan holds dual citizenship of Canada and the UK.

Khan holds a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree in political science from McGill University.

According to a UN statement, in its new responsibility, Khan will ensure the implementation of the Global Nutrition Strategy by building partnerships, promoting dialogue and committing to eliminating all forms of malnutrition.

Khan began working for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Mozambique in 1989 and currently serves as regional director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.