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2026 Forum Registration Agenda FAQS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

The Global Child Nutrition Forum (Forum) is a multiday conference focused on school meal programs around the world, hosted by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation. It provides governments and partners with the tools, knowledge, and global connections they need to ensure all children have access to high quality school meals. The Forum fosters a worldwide network of dedicated professionals, complementing the School Meals Coalition’s political momentum with hands-on technical expertise. See the report from the most recent Forum, held in Japan in 2024 here.
The 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum is hosted by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
The Forum is held in a different location each time. The 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum will be held in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Forum is geared towards government representatives involved in managing school meal programs along with colleagues from private sector companies, international organizations, NGOs, development banks and academic institutions, among others. We expect approximately 250-300 participants from all over the world. The Forum is open to everyone. Individual named invitations are not required to register or attend. If space becomes limited, priority is given to government representatives. Space constraints may also result in limits in the number of representatives from each country or organization.
Registration is open as of May 2026. Registration rates vary based on registration date and participant type. Click here to register.

There are four distinct categories for foreign nationals wishing to enter Zambia. Some foreign nationals will need to apply for a single entry business visa.

1. Foreign Nationals who do not require visas in order to visit Zambia. These foreign nationals will not need a visa letter or facilitation letter to enter the country.

2. Foreign Nationals requiring visas on arrival. These foreign nationals will not need a visa letter or facilitation letter to enter the country. They can apply for a visa upon arrival. The fee is $50 USD. They can also apply for their visas online from the eServices portal.

3. Foreign Nationals requiring visas prior to travel. These foreign nationals will require a facilitation letter to apply for their visa prior to arrival in Zambia. They may apply for their visas online from the eServices portal. The fee is $50 USD.

4. Foreign Nationals holding diplomatic passports. A diplomatic passport will not require a visa.

All participants (including speakers, moderators, panelists) are responsible for their own travel, lodging and registration costs, as well as for some meals. Once your registration is confirmed, we will share additional information about booking official Forum hotel accommodations within our room blocks. Our group rates are approximately $150-170 per night, inclusive of breakfast and VAT, depending upon hotel/room selection and availability.
Registration rates vary based on registration date and participant type. All participants (including speakers, moderators, panelists) are responsible for their own expenses. Prepare your budget: Costs associated with the Forum include visa fees (if applicable), registration, flight/transportation, hotel, and extra meals. Click here to register.
Speaking opportunities at the Forum are in high demand and we will not be able to accommodate all requests. Speaker selections are made independently by GCNF based on factors such as technical expertise, relevance to Forum objectives, practical implementation experience, diversity of perspectives, geographic balance, and overall session quality. If you would still like to be considered, please complete the Speaker Interest Form
We’re now accepting submissions for headline posters, offering a unique opportunity to showcase innovative findings, insights, and practical solutions in school meal programs. Submission deadline is September 2, 2026. Submission instructions can be found here .
Opportunities for exhibitors are available. Email heidi@gcnf.org for details.
The primary language of the Forum will be English, and translation may be available in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Please note that not everything will be simultaneously translated.

Still have questions? Contact us at info@gcnf.org

Sponsors

The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) serves as the primary host and lead sponsor of the Global Child Nutrition Forum. GCNF works closely with in-country partners and relies on the generous support of sponsors to make this event possible.

Hosted by:

gcnf-logo1 republic-of-zambia

In cooperation with:

Supported in part by:

Large Tetra Pak world-vision Medium Foundation for Fresh Produce Medium Rise Against Hunger

Interested in Supporting the Forum?

Download the Sponsorship Packet

Contact Heidi Kessler at heidi@gcnf.org for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

About the Global Child Nutrition Forum

Learn more about the Global Child Nutrition Forum and explore past event resources and materials.

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