Joint IUNS & FENS Scientific Webinar
Global Nutrition: Problems & Determinants

The first day of the Joint IUNS & FENS Scientific Webinar was a great success, bringing together experts and attendees from across the globe to discuss pressing issues in global nutrition. With a highly engaged audience of over 185 participants globally, Day 1 set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of nutritional challenges and determinants worldwide and a preview of the forthcoming IUNS-ICN in Paris in August https://www.icn2025.org/

Key Highlights from Day 1

Welcome and Introduction

The event began with a warm welcome and introduction by Jacques Delarue (IUNS/FENS/SFN, France), who outlined the webinar’s goals and the importance of addressing global nutrition issues.

He also gave an exciting overview of the upcoming IUNS-ICN congress in Paris in August 2025, the early bird registration is open until early May 2025, and IUNS is proud to offer 20 travel grants for early career people with an accepted abstract. To find out if you are eligible,e see here: https://iuns.org/iuns-icn/early-career-travel-grant/ applications are open until 21 April 2025. 

Session 1: Sustainable Development and Micronutrient Deficiencies

Lynnette Neufeld (IUNS/FAO) presented on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) and challenges and progress in achieving its targets. She provided valuable insights into the measurement and evaluation of nutritional improvements worldwide.

Andrew Prentice (MRC Unit, The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK) followed with an overview of the progress made in combating micronutrient deficiencies globally, highlighting the remaining challenges.

Kevin Cashman (University College Cork, Ireland) delved into micronutrient deficiencies among children in Europe, emphasizing the Zero Hidden Hunger EU project, while Haeng-Shin Lee (Center for Biohealth Policy & Research, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Korea) provided insights into similar deficiencies in Asia.

Ana Fernandez Gaxiola (Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico) addressed the issue in pregnant women and children under five in Latin America, underscoring the regional disparities and intervention needs.

Marko Kerac (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK) introduced the CHANGE Project, which investigates the links between child malnutrition and adult non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to inform future policy and practice.

Session 2: Nutrition Policies and Obesity Trends

After a break, the discussions resumed with a focus on nutrition promotion policies. Kremlin Wickramasinghe (WHO, European Region) examined the progress and challenges faced in Europe regarding nutrition policy implementation.

The issue of obesity and its determinants was a major focus, with Professor Hardinsyah (IPB University, Indonesia) presenting findings on Indonesia’s obesity prevalence, while Mónica Mazariegos (Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala) explored the implications of the nutrition transition in Latin America and potential policy directions.

Round Table Discussion

The day concluded with an engaging round table discussion moderated by Marcela Gonzalez-Gross (FENS and SEÑ) and Jacques Delarue (IUNS/FENS/SFN). Panellists exchanged ideas on tackling global nutrition challenges, fortification, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector collaboration with all stakeholders.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

With an informative and thought-provoking Day 1 behind us, we eagerly anticipate Day 2, where we will dive deeper into solutions and innovations in global nutrition. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions!

Thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making the first day successful. We look forward to more tomorrow.