Siem Reap: Cambodia is set to co-host the Southeast Asia School Meals Coalition Summit in Siem Reap from November 18 to 20, 2024, alongside the governments of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the summit will bring together high-level stakeholders from Southeast Asian nations, as well as representatives from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. This gathering aims to facilitate collaboration among Southeast Asian countries to develop policies that enhance children’s health, education, and future potential through sustainable school meal programs. The coalition’s goal is to ensure that every child in the region receives a healthy and nutritious school meal every day by 2030.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, emphasized the summit’s importance, stating, “This Southeast Asian School Meals Coalition Summit is a crucial platform for government and partners to come together, exchange best pr
actices, and reaffirm our commitments to providing nutritious meals for our young learners to leverage school meal programme as a social protection instrument.” He further highlighted that the summit reflects Cambodia’s dedication to nurturing human capital, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of children.

Currently, the Royal Government of Cambodia supports the national home-grown school feeding program in nearly two-thirds of all targeted schools, with plans to reach 1,114 schools and benefit more than 300,000 students by 2028.