The food and nutrition community mourns the loss of one of our most respected champions, Sir David Nabarro. His passing is not only a loss to those who knew and worked alongside him but to the millions whose lives he touched through his tireless dedication to public health, food systems, and global goals. Nabarro worked at the heart of a passionate, determined, and deeply interconnected global community committed to advancing human and planetary health.
SDG2 Advocacy Hub CEO, Paul Newnham, wrote on his LinkedIn: “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sir David Nabarro. His unwavering commitment to food systems, nutrition, and global health inspired many in this space. His leadership, wisdom, and humanity were a guiding light for so many of us, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work.”
David was more than a leader. He was full of compassion, clarity, and conviction. Throughout a remarkable career, from his leadership at the World Health Organisation and the United Nations, to his work on sustainable development, nutrition, and climate-resilient food systems, he was consistent in his belief that everyone, everywhere, deserved the right to good food that was healthy, nutritious and empowered those who worked it on the land. He gave so much to the entire world, and he will be deeply missed.
Mario Arvelo, Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic wrote on his X, mourning David, “a true humanitarian is gone at a time of rising hunger, pain, and fear. Global efforts for health and food security have lost a tireless, brilliant, and effective warrior. Farewell, dear friend and fellow traveler.”
David possessed a rare ability to see the bigger picture while never losing sight of the people at its heart. Whether in a global summit hall or rural villages, David listened with empathy and acted with purpose. His voice carried weight. His presence gave others confidence. His insights guided much of the work we all do today.
Many of us were fortunate to call him a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. Others knew him more personally and experienced the depth of his kindness, humility, and intellect.
For the next generation of food systems leaders, Nabarro was a guiding light. He did not simply advocate for a better world; he helped forge the paths towards it and encouraged us all to walk beside the goal of good food for all.
As we remember Nabarro, we hold close the legacy he leaves: a legacy of hope, of action, and an unshakable belief in our shared humanity. May we honour him by continuing the work with integrity, with urgency, and with the same generous spirit that defined his life.
In his eulogy, World Health Organisation Executive Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks to the global footprint of Nabarro. “He was a great champion of global health and health equity, and a wise, generous mentor to countless individuals. His work touched and impacted so many lives across the world.”
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations remembers Nabbaro for putting the health of people and the planet at the heart of his life’s work.
“Unwavering in his commitment to social justice, he inspired us to face hard truths with urgent action. From pandemics to food systems—we have counted on his wisdom and compassion.” she wrote on X.
Your Hub family will miss you deeply, David. Our love to Flo, your children and the 4SD family.
