2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL CHILD NUTRITION FORUM?

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.

WHO IS THE HOST OF THE 2026 GLOBAL CHILD NUTRITION FORUM?

The 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum is hosted by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

WHERE IS THE GLOBAL CHILD NUTRITION FORUM HELD?

The Forum is held in a different location each time. The 2026 Global Child Nutrition Forum will be held in Lusaka, Zambia.

WHO ATTENDS THE FORUM? MAY I ATTEND?

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.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration is now closed.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO ZAMBIA?

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. Find out what category you are in through the links below:

1. Foreign Nationals who do not require visas in order to visit Zambia. If your passport country is on this list, you will not need a visa letter or facilitation letter to enter the country.

2. Foreign Nationals requiring visas on arrival. If your passport country is on this list, you will require a facilitation letter to enter the country. You can apply for a visa upon arrival. The fee is $50 USD. Or, you can apply for your visa online from the eServices portal. GCNF will provide a Government of Zambia issued facilitation letter and list which must be printed and brought with you.

3. Foreign Nationals requiring visas prior to travel. If your passport country is on this list, you will require a facilitation letter to apply for your visa prior to arrival in Zambia. You may apply for your visa online from the eServices portal.The fee is $50 USD. If you are in this category, GCNF will provide a Government of Zambia issued facilitation letter and list which must be printed and brought with you.

4. Foreign Nationals holding diplomatic passports. Please email info@gcnf.org for a facilitation letter if you will be travelling with a diplomatic passport. GCNF is unable to determine if you have a diplomatic passport.

Please keep in mind that even if the passport you will use to travel does not require a visa to enter Zambia, please be aware that your travel route may entail transit visas. Should you have questions about the visa application portal or status of your visa application, please email pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm and zambiavisa@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm for assistance, keeping info@gcnf.org in CC.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY AND HOW MUCH WILL LODGING COST?

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.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO ATTEND THE FORUM?

Registration is now closed. 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.

CAN I BE A SPEAKER/PANELIST/MODERATOR?

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.

WILL THERE BE SPACE FOR RESEARCH POSTERS?

Yes, there will be a research poster reception. The deadline to submit a poster has passed.

CAN I BE AN EXHIBITOR? CAN MY ORGANIZATION HELP SPONSOR THE FORUM?

Opportunities for exhibitors are available. Email heidi@gcnf.org for details.

WILL THERE BE LIVE TRANSLATION INTO DIFFERENT LANGUAGES AT THE FORUM?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

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

Sponsors

Hosted by:

In cooperation with:

Supported in part by:

Interested in Supporting the Forum?

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.