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; 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.
Visa requirements for Zambia vary by nationality. Visitors typically fall into one of three categories: those who do not require a visa, those who may obtain a visa on arrival, and those required to apply in advance.
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.
Participants are encouraged to confirm their specific requirements well ahead of travel at the official Zambia Department of Immigration website: https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and have at least three blank pages.
- Return ticket: Participants arriving by air should hold a valid return or onward ticket.
- e-Visa: If a visa is required, an e-Visa can be applied for online at https://eservices.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/#/home
- Yellow fever certificate: If you are travelling from a country with yellow fever risk, a valid vaccination certificate will be required at entry. Check requirements at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/yellow-fever
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.
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.
All participants (including speakers, moderators, panelists) are responsible for their own travel, lodging
and registration costs, as well as for some meals.
Currently there are no scholarships. If scholarship funds become available, GCNF will match them
directly with a government participant. In the past, university students have successfully received
scholarships from their academic institutions or professional associations.
Agenda planning will commence in late spring 2026. Sign up for the GCNF Newsletter for opportunities
to suggest agenda content. Check the website for continued updates.
Opportunities for exhibitors are available. Email heidi@gcnf.org
for details.
Opportunities for research poster participation will be made available in summer 2026. Sign up for the
GCNF Newsletter to receive information about research poster opportunities.
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.
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
