The II International Forum on School Nutrition in the CIS Countries "School Nutrition: Contribution to a Healthy Generation". Participation of Belarusian State Medical University

Professor Elena Guzik, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Hygiene and Children’s Health with a course in advanced training and retraining of Belarusian State Medical University, participated in the 2^nd International Forum on School Nutrition in the CIS Countries "School Nutrition: Contribution to a Healthy Generation of the Nation". The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan with the support of the CIS Executive Committee, the UN World Food Programme and was held in Dushanbe (Republic of Tajikistan) from the 20^th to the 22^nd of November, 2025.

On the first day of the Forum, there were discussed the results of national efforts in school nutrition, introduced the best practicies in organizing healthy nutrition, there was organized the interactive exhibition “School Nutrition in the Republic of Tajikistan from the years 1999 –2025”. Specialists from the CIS countries demonstrated their experience in organizing nutrition in schools. As part of the strategic session "Development and Prospects of School Nutrition in Countries," Professor Elena Guzik presented a report on the topic: "Organization of School Nutrition in the Republic of Belarus".

The forum helped to outline new plans and development goals in this area and strengthen international ties.

The forum's comprehensive program included consideration of current challenges facing school nutrition, discussion of experiences in working with parents, and projects promoting modern technologies in school nutrition. On the second day of the forum, there were held thematic panel sessions. The participants included representatives of the ministries of health, education, doctors, lecturers, school principals, representatives of international organizations and scientists.

At the panel session "The Impact of School Nutrition on the Development and Health of the Nation", there were represented research and recommendations on the impact of school nutrition on children's health. Professor Elena Guzik presented a report on the topic: "Nutrition and health of schoolchildren in the Republic of Belarus".

At the panel session “Results and Prospects of Implementing the School Nutrition Program”, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, there were discussed personnel problems, modernization of facilities and recourses, complex development programs to improve the quality of school nutrition, financial and raw material support, public-private partnership mechanisms. Participants of the panel session "The Role and Involvement of Parents in Organizing School Nutrition" — representatives of parental communities and government agencies—discussed the issues related to the development of healthy eating habits in children at home and at school, as well as parental involvement in the improvement of the quality of school nutrition. Elena Guzik, Professor of the Department of Hygiene and Children's Health with a course in advanced training and retraining, actively participated in the discussion of current issues related to ensuring rational and balanced nutrition for children in organized groups.

On the third day, forum participants visited three schools, where they learned about national characteristics and achievements in organizing school nutrition in the Republic of Tajikistan.

During the meetings between the forum participants, representatives of the CIS countries and international organizations, there were discussed the issues of participation in the scientific and educational fields, cooperation of the Department of Hygiene and Children's Health with a course in advanced training and retraining of BSMU with educational and healthcare institutions of the CIS countries, participation in joint events, including online ones.

As the Professor of the Department of Hygiene and Children's Health with a course in advanced training and retraining of BSMU noted, the information obtained would allow for improved training of medical personnel and the learning process for students during advanced training and retraining courses. There was established information transparency in the republic's medical and educational services market, contributing to the creation of a favorable image and psychological trust in Belarusian healthcare, as well as the realization of opportunities for joint projects with the colleagues from the CIS countries.

Authors: the Department of Hygiene and Children's Health with a course of advanced training and retraining of Bashkir State Medical University

The photos are taken from the Telegram channel of the 2nd International Forum on School Nutrition in the CIS Countries "School Meals – Contribution to a Healthy Generation of the Nation"