The world is currently entering Industrial Revolution 4.0 era where physical, digital and biological technologies have achieved unprecedented developments. This era encourages changes in the nutrition and health sectors caused by changes in social practices and human eating behavior. Increasing cases of over nutrition and poor diet quality in addition to cases of food insecurity and malnutrition are problems that must be faced at this time.

In 2012, the World Health Assembly stated that stunting is one of the most significant obstacles to human development and is committed to reducing the number of cases by 40% by 2025. Stunting occurs when a child experiences malnutrition for a long time. This does not
only affect physical function, but also cognitive which can have a long-term impact on productivity and social welfare.

Indonesia will have demographic bonus in 2030-2045 where the number of productive age group is estimated to reach 70% of the total population. To be able to take advantage of it and create excellent human resources, investment in nutrition and health in early childhood as the future generation is a must. Recognizing the importance of this, the Government of Indonesia is committed to prevent stunting through the Convergence Program for the Acceleration of Stunting Prevention. Other Southeast Asian countries are also implementing similar policies and programs to address stunting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the world struggling, not only causing loss of human life but also social economic impact, including food security and nutrition. In any crisis, infants and children are one of the age groups that are most susceptible and vulnerable. Movement is
restricted; many nutrition programmes are suspended; and food systems are disrupted. Those could lead to increasing number of wasting and stunting of infants and children post pandemic. Knowledge and actions to mitigate and prevent damage from the pandemic are of paramount importance to protect the future generation.

Research is an important foundation in the development of policies and programs. SEAMEO RECFON consistently contributes in promoting nutrition through research, education and community development. SEAMEO RECFON has carried out the second phase of its 5-year Development Plan focusing on research related to maternal and child nutrition with a food-based approach. SEAMEO RECFON’s research focuses on 5 areas, namely Food security and food safety, Nutrigenomics / nutrigenetics, Nutritional-related diseases, Nutrition policy and programs, and Best practices in nutritional assessment.

While SEAMEO RECFON has conducted research dissemination seminars annually for the past six years that featured research results of its staff and affiliated researchers in Indonesia, this First SEAMEO International Conference on Food and Nutrition is the Centre’s first attempt to bring together a wider range of participants from all over Southeast Asia and beyond to share their research results and learn from each other on the theme Ensuring Quality Early Life for Productive Human Resources post Covid-19 Pandemic: Updates on Early Childhood Care, Nutrition and Education research and program evaluations.

The general objective of this conference is to provide the venue for the participants to share perspectives and successes, as well as assess gaps in current practices, research efforts, policies and opportunities associated with ensuring quality early life for productive human resources in Southeast Asia. Specifically, this activity compile and synthesize individual and institutional experiences of participants on early childhood care nutrition and education in Southeast Asia, especially in time of pandemic.

This conference is expected to produce the following outputs:

1. Summary of papers and posters presented related to Early Childhood Care, Nutrition and Education (ECCNE) as conference proceedings.
2. Policy recommendations for relevant stakeholders on early childhood care, nutrition and education based on the papers and posters presented.
3. Publication of selected papers presented in an international peer reviewed journal.

This conference is expected to be attended by researchers, university lecturers, development program implementers, industry managers, and decision makers from government and private sectors in Southeast Asia and beyond, including SEAMEO RECFON’s Governing Board Members.