Delphi Economic Forum X

DELPHI/ATHENS, Greece – 14 April 2025 – As global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and widening inequalities continue to threaten the wellbeing of millions, UNICEF is calling for urgent, child-focused responses that protect the most vulnerable. At this year’s Delphi Economic Forum X, UNICEF’s Representative in Greece, Dr. Ghassan Khalil, emphasized that children must be at the center of public policy—starting with their right to health and nutrition. 

Speaking on the high-level panel “The Future of Food: Challenges & Opportunities of the Planetary Health Diet,” Dr. Khalil joined government, academic, media and private sector experts—including Alternate Minister of Health Dr. Eirini Agapidaki, Lidl Hellas’ Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Mrs. Vasiliki Adamidou, Imperial College London’s Research Fellow Elisa Pineda, Professor Antonia Trichopoulou of the Academy of Athens, and media entrepreneur Nectarios Notis - to highlight the urgent need for child-centered, sustainable solutions. 

Dr. Khalil emphasized that nutrition is not just a health issue; it is a child rights issue, calling for a united, multisectoral approach to ensure that every child has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. 

“Healthy nutrition is a fundamental right. It’s time we treat it as such—with concrete policies, strategic partnerships and bold investments that prioritize children,” said Dr. Khalil. “From empowering parents with the right knowledge, to engaging the private sector in responsible food systems, we must all play our part.” 

UNICEF also showcased its collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health on the National Action Plan Against Childhood Obesity, a model initiative combining education, physical activity and better food environments, implemented under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (Greece 2.0, NextGenerationEU). 

Beyond nutrition, UNICEF called for and works closely with the Greek government to advance child-focused policies and agile reforms in areas such as mental health, inclusive education, child protection, prevention of gender-based violence and meaningful child and youth participation in decision making processes.  

Through close collaboration with the Greek government, academia and the private sector, UNICEF promotes policies and practices that place children at the center of national development. 

“The future of our societies depends on the health and wellbeing of our children,” Dr. Khalil concluded. “A child-focused approach is not optional—it is essential.”