Translated with AI
On November 20, 2025, the 2nd International Forum on School Meals in the CIS Countries, "School Meals: Investments in a Healthy Generation," opened in Dushanbe. Experts and heads of relevant ministries and agencies from the Commonwealth countries are participating in the event, discussing practical measures to improve children's health and school meal systems, according to the press service of the CIS Executive Committee.
CIS Deputy Secretary-General Denis Trefilov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He highlighted key stages of cooperation between CIS countries in this area. He noted that the foundation for systemic cooperation was laid two years ago in Bishkek. "The main conclusion of the first forum was simple: high-quality school meals are more than just a social obligation. It is an investment in the health, intelligence, and future of our countries," Trefilov emphasized.
He recalled that in April 2025, the Russian Institute of Industrial Foodservice was granted the status of a CIS Basic Organization for Student Nutrition, which allows Commonwealth states to pool their expertise and share best practices.
During his speech, Trefilov proposed developing a joint action program and creating a register of school food equipment manufacturers in the CIS countries to create effective cooperation chains.
Particular attention was paid to the institutionalization of the dialogue. Trefilov proposed establishing the tradition of holding the forum annually during the CIS presidencies and suggested considering holding the next Forum in Turkmenistan.
The forum will last three days. Participants will present national experiences, discuss current challenges, and develop joint initiatives aimed at ensuring safe, high-quality, and affordable school meals for millions of children in the Commonwealth.
