Document
Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit
18–20 Nov 2024
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Government of Cambodia co-hosted the Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit in Siem Reap on 18-20 November 2024 together with the governments of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. This summit, organized under the umbrella of the School Meals Coalition, marks a significant milestone in the region's commitment to advancing human capital development and transforming food systems.
The summit convened high-level representatives from Southeast Asian nations, as well as from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. It represents a crucial opportunity for Southeast Asian countries to unite in shaping policies that support children’s health, education, and future potential through sustainable school meals programmes. It aims to ensure that every child in Southeast Asia and beyond receives a healthy and nutritious school meal, every day, by 2030.
Outcomes
Outcome Statement: Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit
The Member States of the School Meals Coalition from Southeast Asia including the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Republic of the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, together with representatives from Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Korea and Singapore, and 39 stakeholders, gathered in Siem Reap from 18 to 20 November 2024 for the 1st Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit with the theme of “Accelerating Collaboration and Commitment in Southeast Asia Countries to Advance Human Capital Development and Food Systems Transformation.” This Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit built on the School Meals Coalition Global Summit held in Paris in October 2023.
This document summarizes the outcomes of this Summit.
School Meals in Southeast Asia
School Meals, Social Protection, and Human Development: Revisiting Trends, Evidence, and Practices in South Asia and Beyond
This discussion paper examines the evolution and effectiveness of school meal programs in South Asia and beyond. It provides evidence on their role in improving educational outcomes, food security, and social protection. It also highlights the role of school meals in promoting gender equity and supporting local agriculture.
Bundy DAP, Gentilini U, Schultz L, et al. School Meals, Social Protection, and Human Development: Revisiting Trends, Evidence, and Practices in South Asia and Beyond. World Bank Discussion Paper; March 2024.
School Meals Case Study: Japan
This case study highlights Japan’s school meal program, including its rich history and the role of food and nutrition education (Shokuiku) in school curriculums. It explores the use of local and organic products in meals and how school lunches are utilized as educational tools to teach children about nutrition, culture, and environmental sustainability.
Health Education and Shokuiku Division, MAFF. School Meals Case Study: Japan. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; September 2023.
