King Letsie III Appointed UN's Special Ambassador for Nutrition in 2016

King Letsie III of Lesotho was named Special Ambassador for Nutrition by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in December 2016. The appointment took place during an international symposium on sustainable food systems, where leaders discussed ways to improve diets and combat malnutrition globally. The role was officially granted by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva. King Letsie III called the appointment an honour, stressing that nutrition remains critical for both people and nations. He praised recent progress in Africa, noting that efforts to prioritise nutrition had gained significant momentum compared to previous years.

During the event, the king highlighted the need for coordinated action across different sectors. Malnutrition, he explained, cannot be solved by one group alone but requires collaboration among policymakers, health experts, and agricultural leaders. He also urged participants to sustain their efforts, as malnutrition continues to impact billions worldwide. In his new role, King Letsie III plans to advocate for traditional foods and their nutritional benefits. He believes promoting local diets could enhance health outcomes in both developing and developed regions. His goal is to see a measurable reduction in malnutrition by the end of the decade. The king acknowledged the work of African countries and regional bodies in advancing food security. He committed to approaching his duties with energy, emphasising that nutrition has now become a global priority.

King Letsie III’s appointment aims to strengthen global efforts against malnutrition through policy coordination and advocacy. His focus on traditional foods and cross-sector collaboration reflects a broader push to improve diets and health outcomes in vulnerable communities.