CAMBODIA TO HOST SOUTHEAST ASIAN SCHOOL MEALS SUMMIT TO DRIVE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION

The summit will convene high-level stakeholders from Southeast Asian nations, alongside with representatives from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. It represents a crucial opportunity for

Southeast Asian nations to collaborate on policies that promote children’s health, education, and future potential through sustainable school meals programmes. It aims to ensure that more and more children every child in Southeast Asia and beyond receives a healthy and nutritious school meal every day by 2030.

Currently, the Royal Government of Cambodia supports the national Home-Grown School Feeding

programme in almost two-thirds of all the target schools, with a commitment to reach 1,114 schools,

benefiting more than 300,000 students by 2028. In addition, the Government commits to increase the number of scholarships to the vulnerable students from 250,000 students in SY 2023-2024 to around 650,000 students in early of 2025. This includes ensuring optimal nutrition and a conducing food environment, optimizing procurement and distribution processes, building institutional capabilities, and securing sustainable financial support.

His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport of Cambodia, stated, "This Southeast Asian School Meals Coalition Summit is a crucial platform for governments and partners to come together, exchange best practices, and reaffirm our commitments to providing nutritious meals for our young learners to leverage school meal programme as a social protection instrument. This summit underscores Cambodia's dedication to nurturing human capital, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of children.

The summit's agenda includes discussions on improving the quality and efficiency of school meals and nutrition programmes, strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing sustainable financing mechanisms, and fostering multi-sectoral coordination.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports at info@moeys.gov.kh or +85512 625 538.