Document
OFFICIAL
Summit Outcomes
Explore the key results from the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit.
This includes the official Outcome Statement and the press release capturing the major highlights.
2nd Global Summit of the School Meals Coalition
18–19 Sep 2025
About
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Summit photos
Find the Summit's photos from Day 1 & Day 2.
Quick access
Outcomes Statement
Explore the outcomes of the Summit and what’s next for the Coalition.
Fortaleza, Brazil
18-19 September
Hosted under the high patronage of the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit brought together leaders from member states, regional bodies, and partners such as UN organizations, international financial institutions and philanthropies, NGOs, research organizations, as well as parliamentarians, representatives of cities & municipalities, indigenous leaders, youth, and food systems coalitions.
Guided by the priorities established by the Taskforce of the Coalition, the 2-day summit showcased the progress made towards the Coalition objectives since the 1st Global Summit hosted by France in Paris. It underscored how governments and partners are investing in school meal programmes as a powerful policy that can help galvanize global action on some of the key challenges of our time. It provided a platform to nurture collaborations, and further mobilization & commitments for the next 2 years.
Objectives
Objectives of the Summit
1
Mobilize action
Mobilize country decision makers and partners to invest in school meals as a key social and economic imperative and create momentum towards a global goal of reaching an additional 150 million children, in line with the Global Alliance Against Hunger & Poverty. Position healthy and nutritious school meals as a policy that can help galvanize global action on some of the key challenges of our time.
2
Take stock of progress since the last summit in 2023
Share new knowledge and evidence on what works by spotlighting progress on country commitments and launching knowledge products, including the new edition of the flagship report the State of School Feeding.
3
Expand partnerships and networks
Provide an opportunity for countries and partners to connect, share experiences and kick start new collaborations. Enable partnerships and networks that can help to expand action.
4
Prepare for the future
Provide a space for innovation, including the connection to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Outcomes
Outcomes Statement: 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit
The 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit was held in Fortaleza on 18 & 19 September 2025 in Brazil. The Summit brought together around 80 Coalition member states, over 30 at Minister level, and about 60 partner organizations, to take stock of progress and mobilize further action. This document summaries the outcomes from this Summit and what’s next for the Coalition.
In just 4 years, the Coalition has emerged as one of the most successful multilateral initiatives in recent times. From 46 member governments in 2021 to over 100 member governments today, it has reinforced a growing global commitment and catalyzed government leadership on one common goal: ensuring that every child receives a healthy, nutritious meal in school by 2030.
Report: 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit
This report provides a detailed account of the 2nd Global Summit of the School Meals Coalition and expands on the official Outcome Statement with a full record of discussions, interventions, and commitments. It highlights government progress in coverage, legislation, financing, nutrition standards, digital monitoring, and home‑grown procurement, alongside partner contributions in research, climate, education, and local action.
Knowledge & Evidence
Publications, research and evidence launched during the Summit, showcasing contributions from across the Coalition’s network.
From Commitment to Impact: National Progress Reports on School Meals
The School Meals Coalition's National Progress Reports is a showcase of the progress made by governments on school meals. Each country presents key achievements across areas such as advocacy and partnerships, evidence and data, financing, institutional and policy reform, programme design, and coverage expansion.
Together, these achievements show how countries are turning political commitment into action. While each country follows its own path, all are contributing to the Coalition’s shared goals. They offer an opportunity to learn from country experiences, exchange ideas, and inspire further action.
A Mission Oriented Approach to School Meals: An Opportunity for Cross Departmental and Multi-Sector Industrial Strategy
This report, by Prof. Mariana Mazzucato & Sarah Doyle and colleagues at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, explores how school meals can serve as a lever for industrial strategy and food system transformation. It argues that public procurement of school meals can catalyse innovation and investment across the food value chain, shaping markets to deliver food that is healthy, sustainable and accessible.
Drawing on case studies from Brazil, Sweden and Scotland, the report highlights the social, ecological and economic benefits of school meals and their potential to drive structural change when designed as part of a mission-oriented industrial strategy. It calls on governments to reframe school meals as an investment in growth and development, not a cost, and to align procurement and financing tools accordingly.
The Importance of School Meals in Fragile & Conflict-affected Settings
This framing paper, developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), outlines the key role of school meals programmes in fragile and conflict-affected settings, while investigating their contribution to peace and social cohesion.
It highlights the main risks and opportunities of school feeding in emergency contexts and identifies potential pathways through which school meals can not only achieve their primary objectives, but also foster peace and social cohesion, emphasizing the importance of conflict-sensitive programming and further evidence-generation.
Our Meals, Our Voice: Children Speak on School Meals
Coalition partner World Vision undertook a School Meals Child-led Research project ahead of the School Meals Coalition Summit in Brazil, 18-19 September 2025, where over 1,000 children in 13 countries shared their school meals experience. These findings are available in this Global Report, and 13 Country-Level Reports: Brazil, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Lebanon, Indonesia, Malawi, Peru, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Statements
Civil society and research partners shared perspectives during the Summit, highlighting priorities and evidence-based calls to action that complement official publications.
Research Consortium's 4th Annual Statement to the Members of the School Meals Coalition
The 4th Annual Statement of the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition expands the global evidence base on school meals and explores its implications for policy. Prepared as an input to the School Meals Coalition for parliamentarians and policymakers, it aims to strengthen the reach, quality and comprehensiveness of national school meal programmes towards 2030. The statement draws on the Consortium’s Global Academy network of over 1,200 experts across 120 countries, offering insights to guide decision-making and accelerate progress.
Joint civil society statement for the 2nd Global Summit of the School Meals Coalition
This joint civil society statement, issued ahead of the 2nd Global Summit, articulates the collective priorities and recommendations of the School Meals Coalition’s civil society network. It calls on governments, donors and partners to accelerate efforts to ensure every child can access nutritious school meals by 2030, emphasizing strengthened accountability, inclusion, voice of children, and collaboration across sectors and regions. The statement frames civil society’s role in supporting transparency, monitoring and advocacy to complement government action and drive progress.
Agenda
OFFICIAL
Summit Agenda
09:00–12:30 UTC-3
International School Meals Science Day
Ahead of the Summit, the Coalition's Research Consortium for School Health & Nutrition, with the Government of Brazil, is hosting a global online event presenting the latest academic insights on cost-effective programme design. These insights form the evidence base for policy decisions made by Coalition member states. The event will be online, free and open to all—bringing together a Global Academy of 1,200+ experts in diverse fields including school meals, child wellbeing, nutrition, education, agriculture, planetary health, and social protection.
08:45 – 10:15
High-Level Opening Session with Vice-President and Minister Geraldo Alckmin
- Brazil: H.E. Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady & School Meals Ambassador
- Brazil: Ms. Fernand Pacobahyba, President of the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE)
- France: H.E. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships
- Finland: H.E. Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development
- WFP: Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme
- Brazil: Mr. Evandro Leitão, Mayor of Fortaleza
- Brazil: Ms. Renata Silveira Carvalho, Chief Auditor of the Specialized Unit for Education, Sports, Culture, and Human Rights of the Federal Court of Accounts
- Brazil: H.E. Camilo Sobreira de Santana, Minister of State for Education
- Brazil: Mr. Elmano de Freitas, Governor of the State of Ceará
- Brazil: H.E. Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of the Republic and Minister of State for Development, Industry, Trade and Services
10:15 – 12:15
Session 1: Showcasing progress
The session spotlighted progress on country commitments since the first Global Summit in 2023, as well as new commitments announced by countries, and will welcome new members to the Coalition. It will launch the new edition of the State of School Feeding Worldwide report.
- WFP/SMC: Ms. Carmen Burbano, Director of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat & Director of School Meals and Social Protection
- Representatives from Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Haiti, Cuba, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Lao PDR, Mali, Luxembourg, The Philippines, Mauritania, Republic of Korea, Republic of Congo, Slovenia, Tanzania, France
14:15 – 15:30
Session 2: Using what works: stronger evidence for decision makers
This session featured a dialogue between Ministers and the network created by the Research Consortium, that highlights how research has been translated into better policies and programmes.
- Research Consortium: Prof. Donald Bundy, Professor of Epidemiology and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine & Director – Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition
- Bangladesh: H.E. Prof. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Adviser – Ministry of Primary and Mass Education
- Brazil: Ms. Fernanda Pacobahyba, President – National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE)
- African Union: Mr. Saidou Madougou, Director – Commission for Education and Science
- Mozambique: Ms. Arlinda da Conceição André de Barros Sumana Chaquisse, National Director of School Health and Cross-Cutting Issues – Ministry of Education and Culture
- Ghana: H.E. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister – Ministry of Gender and Social Protection
- South Africa: Dr. Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister – Department of Basic Education
- Sweden: Ms. Pernilla Ivarsson, Deputy Director-General, National Convener Food Systems Transformation – Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure
- Japan: Mr. Kyohei Arakawa, Deputy Consul General, Consulate-General of Japan in Recife – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
16:00 – 17:20
Session 3: Matching ambition with sustainable financing strategies
This session engaged ministers of finance and international financial institutions to showcase innovative financial mechanisms and partnerships.
- Sustainable Financing Initiative: Dr. Liesbet Steer, Chair of the Steering Committee & Senior Advisor
- United Nations: Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the Secretary-General
- Benin: H.E. Mr. Karimou Salimane, Minister – Ministry of Nursery and Primary Education
- São Tomé and Príncipe: H.E. Ms. Isabel Maria Abreu, Minister – Ministry of Education
- Angola: H.E. Ms. Luísa Maria Alves Grilo, Minister – Ministry of Education
- Senegal: H.E. Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister – Ministry of Education
- Inter-American Development Bank (IADB): Ms. Tamagnan Marie, Senior Operations Advisor – Education Division
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): Mr. Arnoud Hameleers, Country Director – Brazil
- Somalia: Mr. Saadiq Hurre Dirie, School Meals Programme Lead – Ministry of Education, Culture & Higher Education
- Guatemala: Mr. Francisco Cabrera Romero, Technical Vice Minister – Ministry of Education
- SNV: Mr. Simon O’Connell, CEO
- France: H.E. Mr. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships – Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
09:00 – 10:30
Session 4: Preparing for the future: school meals and sustainable food systems
The session brought out how countries are using innovative approaches to catalyze food systems transformation through environmentally friendly approaches, and paving the way to COP 30.
- Research Consortium: Prof. Donald Bundy, Professor of Epidemiology and Development – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine & Director – Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition
- Rwanda: H.E. Ms. Irere Claudette, Minister of State – Ministry of Education
- Lesotho: H.E. Prof. Ntoi Rapapa, Minister – Ministry of Education and Training
- Uganda: H.E. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State – Ministry of Higher Education
- Guinea-Bissau: H.E. Ms. Queeba Djaite, Minister – Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Cambodia: H.E. Dr. Chan Sophea, Under Secretary of State – Ministry of Education
- Kenya: Mr. Stephen Barongo, Senior Director – Ministry of Education
- Ethiopia: H.E. Leulseged Tadese Abebe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary – Embassy of Ethiopia in Brazil
- Novo Nordisk Foundation: Ms. Afton Halloran, Senior Scientific Manager – Global and Environmental Health Development Department
- The Rockefeller Foundation: Mr. Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President – Food Initiative
11:00 – 12:00
Session 5: School Meals as strategic safety nets: Building resilience and human capital
This session showcased impressive commitments from governments who have utilized school meals as a social protection mechanism and made them an integral part of their national efforts to support communities and children in a variety of contexts.
- Ukraine: Mr. Edem Adamanov, Deputy Minister – Ministry of Health
- Peru: H.E. Ms. Fanny Montellanos Carbajal, Minister – Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion
- Somalia: H.E. Ms. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Minister – Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education
- Belize: H.E. Mr. Oscar Requena, Minister – Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: H.E. Ms. Raïssa Malu, Minister – Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship
- Burkina Faso: H.E. Mr. Jacques Sosthène Dingara, Minister – Ministry of Basic Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages
- Honduras: H.E. Ambassador Cindy Larissa Rodríguez, Vice Minister – Ministry of International Cooperation and Promotion
- Finland: H.E. Mr. Ville Tavio, Minister – Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development
12:00-12:45
Session 6: The power of cities and municipalities: driving innovation and accountability at local levels
This session highlighted the progress of the Cities Feeding the Future Initiative thought the voices of Champion Mayors who will showcase how they are driving innovation at the local level.
- Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP): Mr. Filippo Gavazzeni, Head of Secretariat
- Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP): Ms. Ottavia Pieretto, Officer of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Secretariat
- Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP): Ms. Serena Duraccio, Officer of the MUFPP Secretariat
- Brazil: Mr. Evandro Sá Barreto Leitão, Mayor of Fortaleza
- Brazil: Mr. Darklane Rodrigues, Secretary of Food and Nutritional Security, Belo Horizonte
14:30 – 15:45
Session 7: Delivering on the Commitment: Governments and Partners advancing school meals for every child
The session showcased existing and new efforts to expand partners’ support to achieve the Coalition goals, including a call to action by Civil Society Organizations.
- World Vision International: Ms. Dana Buzducea, Vice President – Advocacy and External Relations
- Fortaleza, Brazil: Ms. Davila, Adolescent Researcher
- Haiti: H.E. Mr. Vernet Joseph, Minister – Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development
- Zimbabwe: H.E. Prof. Mr. Torerayi Moyo, Minister – Ministry of Primary & Secondary Education
- CSO Network: Ms. Haydee Diaz, Representative – Catholic Relief Services
- WFP/SMC: Ms. Carmen Burbano, Director – School Meals Coalition Secretariat & Director – School Meals and Social Protection, WFP
- Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems Coalition: Ms. Aluki Kotierk, Chair – Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- France: H.E. Mr. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate – Francophonie and International Partnerships
15:45 – 16:30
Next steps and closing
Media & Comms
Amplify the Conversation
Media & Communications Resources
SOCIAL MEDIA
This social media toolkit provides curated key messages, posts, templates, and shareable graphics to help you engage your audience around the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit and the launch of the latest State of School Feeding report. Use it to spotlight #SchoolMeals as a global investment, promote new data and evidence, showcase governments’ leadership and commitments, and amplify the Coalition’s featured sessions and announcements. Simply copy, adapt, and post to join the global conversation.
Official hashtag: #SchoolMeals
Tag us: @SchoolMeals_
Pre-Summit Press Release
Brazil to host 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit
The Government of Brazil, co-chair of the Coalition, celebrates Fortaleza as the host city for the world’s largest gathering on school meals, bringing together ministers, partners, and experts to advance national programmes.
Report launch Press Release
UN WFP report: 80 million more children now receiving school meals
The new State of School Feeding report reveals a 20% global surge since 2020, with 466 million children now reached. National governments are driving this expansion, doubling their financial investment and making school meals a cornerstone of education, health, and development.
Summit Outcomes Press Release
Pledges from over 40 governments to expand national school meals programmes
As the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit concludes, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes pledges by over 40 governments made in the last two years to expand their national school meal programmes, bringing the world closer to ensuring every child receives a nutritious meal in school by 2030.
For press and social media enquiries
Please contact the School Meals Coalition Communications Team at smc.communications@wfp.org for enquiries related to the State of School Feeding Worldwide report or the 2nd School Meals Coalition Global Summit, including interview requests, media information, or social media materials.