Adhering Bodies

Empowering Nutrition Science in Lebanon: Highlights from the Lebanese Order of Dietitians

ABOUT LOD

Established under Law No. 284 in April 2022, the Lebanese Order of Dietitians (LOD) is the sole regulatory body for the dietetics profession in Lebanon. Its mission is to uphold professional standards, promote evidence-based practice, and lead national efforts to advance nutrition science and dietetic care.As of 2026, LOD has 1,174 registered dietitians, up from 871 in 2025 and 178 in 2022, reflecting the rapid formalization and growth of the regulated dietetics workforce in Lebanon.

NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DIETARY GUIDELINES: A MENA-REGION FIRST

Lebanon officially launched its Sustainable Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (SFBDGs) at the Ministry of Public Health in 2026 – the first guidelines of their kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. LOD led the scientific development of the guidelines, grounded in research from the American University of Beirut. The guidelines are built on four pillars: public health and wellbeing, economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and cultural acceptability.

LOD developed the guidelines in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aligning Lebanon’s approach with global best practice and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The SFBDGs now serve as a national roadmap for policymakers, institutions, and consumers, positioning Lebanon as an early regional reference point for sustainability-integrated dietary guidance.

STRENGTHENING SCIENTIFIC & CLINICAL PRACTICE

LOD continues to strengthen dietitians’ scientific and clinical capacity through continuing education. Building on a 2024 needs assessment of 261 licensed dietitians, LOD established a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) framework granting pre-approved credits to qualifying providers. Over the past year, LOD reviewed, approved, and granted Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) to 25 educational activities using standardized criteria. LOD also expanded its scientific and professional programming through several activities: 

❖ First Annual Scientific Meeting – “From Undernutrition to Obesity and Diabetes Management,” accompanied by a hands-on Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) skills-based workshop for practicing dietitians.

❖ Obesity & Weight Management Meeting – Semaglutide 2.4mg and nutrition care for patients on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist therapy.

❖ National Dialogue on Obesity – LOD represented the profession in a multidisciplinary forum with the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids.

❖ Beyond the Clinic – a university workshop on ethical, professional, and technological perspectives in dietetics practice.

LOD POSITION STATEMENT: 2025-2030 U.S. DIETARY GUIDELINES

LOD issued a position statement on the newly released 2025–2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, affirming their emphasis on whole and minimally processed foods, dietary diversity, and limiting added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods -consistent with positions held by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Heart Association, and American Cancer Society. The statement also identified critical gaps: limited integration of environmental sustainability despite established diet-climate links; inconsistencies between the recommendations and their visual communication (e.g., saturated fat guidance versus imagery favoring full-fat dairy and red meat, and underrepresentation of fiber-rich foods like legumes and whole grains); and the need for guidance that reflects age, health status, culture, and socioeconomic context rather than a one-size-fits-all model. LOD reaffirmed its call for locally adapted dietary guidelines and personalized nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians.

MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION POLICY

LOD contributed to the Ministry of Public Health and UNFPA launch of the national Dietary Guide for Women in the Perinatal Period, a practical, evidence-based tool for healthcare professionals covering preconception, pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum nutrition.

LOD’s leadership also represented the Order at the national launch of the World Breastfeeding Week Campaign and the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Capacity Building Program, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), WHO, and World Bank.

ADVANCING REGULATORY STANDARDS

In 2026, the LOD’s internal bylaws received formal approval from Lebanon’s Shura Council and the Ministry of Public Health, and the latter approved LOD’s conditions for establishing nutrition clinics and private practice – completing regulatory milestones first initiated last year.LOD continues to follow up on the implementation of a unified practical training program across hospitals nationwide and worked with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to correct the scope of practice for non-dietitian graduates, revoking their eligibility to provide nutrition advice and reinforcing patient safety and professional standards in the field.

IUNS-ICN 2025 Abstratcs Now Published!

The abstracts presented at IUNS-ICN 2025, held in Paris in August 2025, are now available as a special collection published in the Journal of Nutritional Science.

The collection brings together the scientific contributions presented at the Congress and provides a lasting resource for the nutrition science community.

Explore the ICN 2025 Abstracts Collection

The 9th Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme Successfully Held in Ürümqi

The Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP), a collaborative initiative between the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) and the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), was established with the aim of empowering young scholars in the field of nutrition in China, to expand their thinking beyond professional boundaries and develop into confident, globally-minded leaders. Since its inception in 2008, this flagship programme has been conducted eight times, successfully cultivating over 300 leaders in the nutritional profession and establishing itself as a key initiative for nurturing young leadership within the nutrition society.

The 9th Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP) took place in the city of Ürümqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 2–7, 2026. This programme was jointly organized by the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), and the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS). After selection process involving nominations, initial screening, and competitive evaluation, 46 participants representing a diverse background from Universities, Research institutions, medical facilities, Provincial CDCs were chosen from over 100 applicants to join this programme.

Programme Key Themes

  • International Perspective and Innovative Thinking: To broaden participants’ global outlook and cultivate innovative approaches to challenges in the nutrition field.
  • Professional Integration and Capacity Building: To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance professional competence across diverse domains.
  • Vision Enhancement and Comprehensive Literacy: To broaden participants’ horizons and refine their overall professional and cultural literacy.
  • Leadership and Implementation Capability: To elevate participants’ leadership skills, ensure the effective execution of ideas, and improve their ability to communicate with clarity and impact.

Picture 1. The group photo of the opening ceremony of 9th CNLP

Programme Overview

At the opening ceremony held on August 2, Professor Yuexin Yang, President of the Chinese Nutrition Society;President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies, officially announced the beginning of the programme. She emphasized that the goal of CNLP is not “professional” learning by itself, but rather expanding one’s thinking and identifying personal growth areas. She noted that leadership training is not about learning administrative authority, but about self-improvement and self-management encompassing execution, cooperation, guidance, and influence—all rooted in the power of thought. Professor Yang encouraged participants to cherish the opportunity, engage in earnest study, foster teamwork within their groups, build friendships, and enlighten one another through the learning process.

Picture 2. Professor Yuexin Yang，President of Chinese Nutrition Society,President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Society , delivers an opening speech

Following the opening, participants engaged in leadership self-assessment, ice-breaking activities, group division, and task assignments. The 46 participants were organized into four groups – Event Operations, Media&News, Culture&Sports, and Team Development – each with distinct responsibilities, and were actively involved in planning and implementing activities throughout the programme.

Picture 3. Candidates for class monitor and group leaders.

Over the subsequent five days, the programme was delivered through a diverse mix of lectures, panel discussions, forums, site visits, and interactive workshops, structured around four core modules: international perspective and innovative thinking; professional integration and capacity building; vision enhancement and comprehensive literacy; and leadership and implementation skills. Each module combined theoretical grounding with hands-on practice, covering cutting edge topics in nutrition science, research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural awareness, and team management. Faculty members from multiple countries and disciplines, including China, the United States, and Italyetc., contributed to the sessions, enriching participants’ global outlook and practical skills.

Complementing the formal sessions, each group designed and facilitated interactive activities that put leadership principles into practice, including self-awareness exercises, professional branding, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution through a structured debate on dietary patterns and a scenario-based negotiation simulation. An evening peer-exchange session further allowed participants to explore practical challenges in leadership and communication.

Picture 4. The Culture & Sports Group leads participants in break-time activities.

Picture 5. Team Development Group leads Scenario-based simulation exercise

On August 7, the programme held its final summary and learning achievement sharing session. Representatives from each group delivered presentations in English, reflecting on their gains in terms of broadened industry vision, enhanced professional skills, elevated leadership qualities, and strengthened team collaboration. Some participants also shared their personal reflections：

“This experience has made me realize that true breakthroughs come from organized collaborative research, systematic data sharing, and the heartfelt exchange of experience.”

“Not a nutrition major, but I came purely for my love of clinical nutrition. My heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Nutrition Society for building this precious platform for young clinicians and scholars—and for this extraordinary opportunity to grow and connect.”

A panel of experts provided on-site comments and feedback. They commended the participants’ rapid progress and deep thinking, and encouraged them to continue consolidating their professional foundations, to develop their own distinctive “nutrition labels,” and to actively contribute to the national Healthy China initiative.

The ceremony included a video review produced by the Media&News group, followed by the presentation of training certificates.

Conclusion

The 9th CNLP has successfully achieved its goal of equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field of nutrition. The participants expressed that the five-day training had not only improved their professional literacy but also enhanced their teamwork and leadership abilities. They unanimously agreed that this training was not an end point but a new starting point for their professional growth, and they pledged to apply what they had learned and continue to contribute to the development of the nutrition field. Additionally, the participants have formed deep friendships and established extensive cooperation networks. It is believed that in the future, these participants will become leading figures in the field of nutrition, collectively advancing the prosperity and development of the nutrition industry and guiding it towards new heights.

9th Bangladesh Nutrition Conference 2026

The 9th Bangladesh Nutrition Conference will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 21–23 November 2026. The conference is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF), the Nutrition Society of Bangladesh (NSB) and the Nutrition Foundation of Bangladesh (NFB).

The conference aims to strengthen nutrition programmes in Bangladesh by showcasing recent advances in nutrition science and promoting innovation, evidence-based interventions, and emerging developments in clinical, molecular, biochemical and public health nutrition. It will also provide a valuable platform for scientific exchange, collaboration and networking among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students and young professionals.

The organisers warmly invite scientists, policymakers, development partners, students and early career researchers to participate in this important event and contribute to advancing nutrition science and improving nutrition outcomes in Bangladesh.

For further information, please contact the conference organisers directly at BangladeshNutritionConference@nsb.org.bd.

9th Bangladesh Nutrition ConferenceDownload

Sabri Ülker Foundation Istanbul Science Summit 2026: Advancing Global Perspectives on Childhood Nutrition

The Sabri Ülker Foundation Istanbul Science Summit 2026 will bring together leading researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, civil society representatives and early-career scientists to explore the theme “Childhood Nutrition: Education, Health and Security – A Global Perspective”.

Organised by the Sabri Ülker Foundation in collaboration with The Nutrition Society, the Summit will take place on 20–21 October 2026 at Rixos Tersane Istanbul, with opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation. Registration is free for all participants.

The scientific programme will focus on three key areas: Developmental Origins, Nutrition Education, and Public Health Approaches. Through plenary lectures, thematic sessions, panel discussions, workshops, oral presentations and digital ePoster sessions, the Summit will provide a platform for sharing evidence, exchanging ideas and strengthening collaboration across disciplines.

The event welcomes professionals and researchers interested in advancing evidence-based approaches to childhood nutrition and improving health outcomes for future generations.

Further information, including the programme, abstract submission, registration and practical details, is available on the official Summit website: https://sabriulkeristanbulsciencesummit.org.

IUNS President Congratulates ASN on Nutrition 2026

The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) is pleased to congratulate the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) on Nutrition 2026, the Society’s flagship annual meeting taking place in National Harbor, Maryland, USA.

To mark the occasion, Professor Hyun-Sook Kim, President of IUNS, shared a video message congratulating Dr Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa, ASN President, and the organising committee for delivering an outstanding scientific programme that brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, and policymakers from around the world. In her message, Professor Kim also reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between IUNS and ASN, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing nutritional science globally.

Professor Kim noted that 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of IUNS, celebrating eight decades of international collaboration in nutrition science. She recognised the invaluable contributions of IUNS’ 85 Adhering Bodies and Regional Affiliated Bodies, whose collective efforts continue to advance the Union’s mission of promoting excellence in nutritional science and fostering global knowledge exchange.

Reflecting on the enduring relationship between IUNS and ASN, Professor Kim emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing global nutrition challenges, including undernutrition, obesity, food security, and the development of sustainable food systems.

“Although we come from different countries and cultures, we are united by a common purpose: improving quality of life through nutritional science.”

Professor Kim concluded by encouraging participants to use Nutrition 2026 as an opportunity to inspire new scientific discoveries, strengthen international partnerships, and reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing nutrition research for the benefit of people worldwide.

IUNS congratulates ASN on Nutrition 2026 and looks forward to continuing its close collaboration in advancing nutrition science and supporting the next generation of nutrition researchers worldwide.

Save the Date: 15th European Nutrition Conference (FENS 2027)

The Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS), will hold the 15th European Nutrition Conference (FENS 2027) from 7–11 November 2027 at De Doelen Congress Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Co-organised by FENS and the Dutch Nutrition Society (NAV), the congress will be held under the theme “Inclusive Nutrition: Embracing Diversity!” The programme will showcase the breadth of nutrition science, spanning fundamental, clinical, epidemiological, and social perspectives, while providing a platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and early career scientists to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.

Save the date:

  • 7–11 November 2027
  • De Doelen Congress Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract submission and registration will open later this year.

For the latest congress news, programme updates, speaker announcements, and important deadlines, visit the FENS2027 website and follow the official FENS 2027 LinkedIn page.

IUNS is delighted to share this announcement and encourages members of the global nutrition community to mark their calendars for this important European nutrition congress.

Les Journées Francophones de Nutrition 2026

The French Nutrition Society (SFN), in partnership with the SFNCM, organizes «Les Journées Francophones de Nutrition» (JFN), the leading annual event bringing together all French-speaking professionals and stakeholders in the field of nutrition.

The JFN are an annual interdisciplinary and interprofessional conference dedicated to nutrition in all its dimensions.

The conference brings together experts in clinical nutrition, nutritional physiology, biology, food science and animal nutrition.

The JFN also welcomes specialists from other disciplines related to nutrition and food, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to paleo-nutrition and emerging technologies shaping the future of the field.

The JFN 2026 will take place in Lille, France, from November 4 to 6, 2026.

For more information, visit: https://www.lesjfn.fr/.

52nd Annual Meeting and Academic Symposium of Nutrition Society of Taiwan

The Nutrition Society of Taiwan, in partnership with the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, successfully hosted the international symposium “Sustainable and Precision Nutrition: From Individual Health to Public Well-being” on 22–23 May 2026 at the International Conference Hall, Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan.

The two-day symposium welcomed researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and students from across the region to explore the latest developments in sustainable diets, precision nutrition, and public health. The event opened with welcome remarks from Dean Shun-Yao Ko of the College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, and President Jane Chao of the Nutrition Society of Taiwan.

Highlights from the scientific programme included inspiring presentations by distinguished experts from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, who shared cutting-edge research and practical insights into nutrition science and its role in improving individual and population health.

The second day featured a keynote lecture by Director Hidemi Takimoto, the Society Awards Ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in nutrition research, award-winning research presentations, graduate student competitions, poster sessions, thematic scientific sessions, and exhibitions showcasing current research and innovations in nutrition.

The symposium provided an excellent platform for scientific exchange, international collaboration, and professional networking while highlighting the importance of sustainable and precision nutrition in addressing current and future public health challenges. The Nutrition Society of Taiwan extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, sponsors, and organizing committee members for making the event a great success.

Nutrition Society of Nigeria State Chapters Commemorate World Hypertension Day 2026

Several State Chapters of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) organized advocacy and public health activities aimed at raising awareness of hypertension prevention and control.

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter, in collaboration with the Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN) and supported by the Wife of the Uyo Local Government Area Chairman, conducted a four-day campaign from 17–20 May 2026. Activities included community outreaches in churches, where over 500 people benefited from free blood pressure screening, anthropometric assessment, nutrition education, and individualized dietary counselling. The chapter also reached wider audiences through radio and television programs and concluded the campaign with a hospital outreach at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, providing health education and counselling to patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers.

The Oyo State Chapter, working in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and the Nigerian Heart Foundation, hosted a scientific program themed “Controlling Hypertension Together.” The event brought together healthcare professionals, academics, students, and policymakers to promote evidence-based approaches to hypertension prevention and management. A major highlight was the launch of the Nutrition and Dietetics Services Unit Free Consultation Initiative, aimed at expanding public access to nutrition and health consultation services.

The Osun, Lagos and Delta State Chapter marked the day with a virtual awareness program under the same global theme, engaging nutrition professionals, healthcare practitioners, stakeholders, and members of the public in discussions on hypertension prevention, early detection, healthy nutrition, and lifestyle modification. The program emphasized the importance of collective action in reducing the burden of hypertension and improving cardiovascular health.

Collectively, these activities demonstrated the Nutrition Society of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing public health through nutrition education, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and advocacy for healthier lifestyles to prevent hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.