From Commitment to Investment: Public Development Banks Bring the Finance Perspective to Rome Nutrition Week 2026

From Commitment to Investment: Public Development Banks Bring the Finance Perspective to Rome Nutrition Week 2026

25 May 2026 | Rome, Italy

How can finance be better aligned with nutrition outcomes? This question was at the heart of the thematic session “Commitment to Investment: Aligning Private Sector Engagement with Nutrition Outcomes” during Rome Nutrition Week 2026. Co-organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), the SUN Movement, and the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD), the session brought together representatives from governments, development finance institutions, investors, Public Development Banks (PDBs), the private sector, UN agencies, and development partners to explore how public and private finance can better support nutrition outcomes and accelerate food systems transformation.

A shared call to move from commitments to implementation

A common message throughout the discussion was that addressing the nutrition financing gap requires moving beyond commitments and translating them into practical, country-led investments. Speakers highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration across governments, investors, development finance institutions, businesses, and international organizations, supported by improved data, transparency, accountability, and responsible private sector engagement.

The discussion also underscored the importance of investing in SMEs and local food value chains, which play a vital role in producing, processing, and distributing nutritious foods but often remain underserved by traditional financing mechanisms. Strengthening these actors was recognized as a key pathway to improving the availability, affordability, and accessibility of nutritious foods while fostering inclusive economic development.

Bringing the Public Development Bank perspective

Representing the AgriPDB Platform, the discussion highlighted the unique role Public Development Banks can play in creating the conditions for greater investment in nutrition-sensitive food systems. Leveraging their strong local presence, PDBs can help reduce investment risks, mobilize private capital, and channel financing towards SMEs and local food value chains, helping bridge the gap between nutrition objectives and investment decisions.

The session also featured the experience of the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), which shared its journey in integrating nutrition into its financing operations. TADB emphasized that peer learning and knowledge sharing among Public Development Banks are critical for strengthening institutional capacity, exchanging practical experiences, and accelerating the adoption of nutrition-sensitive financing approaches across institutions.

Looking ahead

The discussions reinforced a growing recognition that nutrition is not only a development priority but also an investment opportunity capable of delivering significant social and economic returns. Unlocking this potential will require stronger partnerships and greater alignment between public priorities, private investment, and national food systems strategies.

These priorities closely align with the mission of the AgriPDB Platform. Through its global network of nearly 140 Public Development Banks, the Platform promotes peer learning, technical exchange, and knowledge sharing while supporting member institutions with practical tools and methodologies to identify, finance, and scale nutrition-sensitive investments.

By strengthening the role of Public Development Banks and fostering collaboration across the development finance ecosystem, the AgriPDB Platform aims to help translate global commitments into practical investments that empower SMEs, strengthen local food value chains, improve nutrition outcomes, and contribute to healthier, more resilient, and sustainable food systems.