What does a trip look like when the goal is not sightseeing, but nourishing entire communities? For senior nutrition officials from ten countries[1], the answer unfolded over six days in Brazil – from Brasília to Fortaleza – where learning went beyond presentations and field visits to become a shared journey of discovery and inspiration [1]. 

Organized by UN-Nutrition and the Coalition of Action on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for Children and All (HDSFS), in close collaboration with Brazil’s Ministries of Social Development and Foreign Affairs, this study visit was delivered under the “Fostering One UN through UN-Nutrition Country Support” initiative, as part of the UN-Nutrition and Irish Aid partnership.

The first three days took participants into the heart of Brazil’s intersectoral approach to nutrition. They heard from various ministries how political will at the highest level is essential to drive meaningful change. Participants learned the power of beginning intersectoral collaboration by first agreeing on a shared goal - one that every ministry owns and champions. This collective ambition ensures that nutrition is integrated across health, education, social protection, family farming, agricultural reform, and foreign affairs. Each discussion underscored how a common goal can serve as a strategic anchor for policy integration that truly transforms lives.

Field visits brought these insights to life. At a local school and family farm, participants saw nutrition in action – witnessing healthy school meals being sourced from local producers; school teachers, administrators and kitchen staff proud and engaged; climate-conscious farming practices; and children receiving meals that not only filled stomachs but nurtured their growth in food environments that foster healthy eating habits. These moments made nutrition policies tangible, showing how communities and governments should work hand in hand.

The second half of the trip was spent in Fortaleza at the Second Global School Meals Coalition Summit. The Summit highlighted the central role school meals play, not just by feeding children, but by promoting healthy diets, supporting local economies, and reinforcing education outcomes. Conversations ranged from biodiversity and indigenous foods to policy coherence and sustainable food systems.

Throughout the trip, the greatest success was the shared realization of just how powerful collective action can be when everyone works together for nutrition. Daily group touchpoints encouraged reflection and dialogue, and by the final workshop in Fortaleza, each participant drafted action plans to apply newly acquired insights at home. The knowledge gained was not just technical; it was empowering, equipping leaders to drive change in their national nutrition policies. 

As the week concluded, the learning was clear: real impact comes from connecting policies to people, sharing experiences across borders, and believing that change is possible. Brazil offered both inspiration and practical strategies, but the journey was equally about the exchange between peers who share common challenges and a deep commitment to finding the best solutions for their communities. It ignited fresh ideas and deepened future collaboration pathways across countries - including under the umbrella of the newly launched Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. 

The true measure of this journey will be seen in the policies and programs that participants implement in their home countries. By applying lessons learned from Brazil, each delegation is poised to strengthen national nutrition strategies, integrate school meals and sustainable food systems more effectively, and drive tangible improvements in the health and wellbeing of children and communities.

This study trip to Brazil was more than a visit. It was a classroom without walls, a laboratory of ideas, and a network of leaders united by one goal: to nourish children and strengthen the policies that make healthy diets a reality for all.

This initiative was made possible with funding from Irish Aid, and was facilitated by UN Nutrition, HDSFS Coalition, and the Government of Brasília.

[1] Participants’ countries include Burundi, Cambodia, DRC, Liberia, Madagascar, Niger, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Almost all participants are focal points for the HDSFS Coalition and the SUN Movement.