Global Consultation on the Draft Guidance Note on Food Security and Nutrition Data and Statistics
The United Nations Expert Group on Food Security and Nutrition Data and Statistics (UN EG-FSN) is conducting a global consultation on the draft Guidance Note on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) data and statistics and its annexes. The consultation forms part of the process to refine the draft ahead of its submission to the 58th session of the UN Statistical Commission in March 2027 for endorsement.
The UN EG-FSN was established following decisions of the 55th and 56th sessions of the UN Statistical Commission, which recognized food security and nutrition statistics as a distinct statistical domain and called for strengthened international guidance in this area. The Expert Group operates under the co-secretariat of FAO, UNICEF and WHO and brings together national statistical offices, line ministries, regional and international organizations, and technical experts working on FSN data and statistics.
The draft Guidance Note aims to strengthen norms, standards and methodological guidance for FSN data and statistics. It proposes a Minimum Set of Core Indicators (MSCI) and provides recommendations to support countries in integrating food security and nutrition indicators into existing statistical systems and survey platforms. The guidance also seeks to improve data coherence, methodological consistency and policy relevance at national and global levels.
The global consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review the draft Guidance Note and its annexes and provide feedback. For National Statistical Offices (NSOs), the consultation also includes an assessment of the availability of FSN indicators and related data sources at national level.
The consultation period is open until 15 April 2026.
Consultation documents
The following documents are available for review as part of the consultation:
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Draft Guidance Note on Food Security and Nutrition data and statistics
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Annex 1: Metadata for indicators included in the Minimum Set of Core Indicators
Feedback forms
Two feedback forms are available as part of the consultation process.
National Statistical Offices (NSOs)
This form collects feedback from NSOs on the draft Guidance Note, including the conceptual framework, the proposed Minimum Set of Core Indicators, recommended data sources and methodological guidance. It also includes questions on the current availability of selected FSN indicators and data sources at national level, including reporting frequency.
Access the feedback form for National Statistical Offices
Other stakeholders (non-NSOs)
This form is intended for other stakeholders working on food security and nutrition data and statistics, including line ministries, international and regional organizations, research institutions and technical experts. It collects feedback on the overall structure and content of the draft Guidance Note and its annexes.
Access the feedback form for non-NSO stakeholders
About the UN Expert Group on FSN Data and Statistics
The United Nations Expert Group on Food Security and Nutrition Data and Statistics supports the development of international norms, standards and guidance to strengthen food security and nutrition statistics. Its work focuses on improving the availability, quality and use of FSN data by promoting methodological consistency, addressing data gaps and supporting the integration of FSN indicators into national statistical systems.
The Expert Group operates under the co-secretariat of FAO, UNICEF and WHO.