Conference Overview
The 37th Scientific Conference brings together leading researchers, policymakers, clinicians and foodsystem stakeholders to explore the intersecting challenges of the COVID19 pandemic and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). With more than 1200 participants expected from over 45 countries, the conference will showcase the latest evidence on how nutrition can mitigate infection risk, support recovery, and reduce longterm NCD complications.
Hosted virtually and inperson in Geneva from 1215 October 2026, the event will feature plenary talks, interactive workshops, poster sessions and a special Policy Lab where delegates codesign actionable nutrition strategies for national resilience.
Key Themes
1. Nutrition and Immune Function in the COVID19 Era
Understanding micronutrient status, dietary patterns and gut microbiota as determinants of immune competence. Sessions will review randomized trials on vitamin D, zinc, omega3 fatty acids and the role of fortified foods for preventing severe disease.
2. Managing NCDs During Pandemic Disruptions
Exploring telenutrition, digital selfmonitoring, and communitybased models that keep people with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease on track when health services are strained.
3. Food System Resilience and Supply Chain Safety
Assessing how lockdowns, trade restrictions and climate shocks affect food availability, price stability and dietary quality. Case studies from low and middleincome countries will illustrate innovative local production and distribution solutions.
4. Nutrition Policy, Governance and Financing
Analyzing the role of national nutrition plans, integrated healthnutrition budgeting and publicprivate partnerships in sustaining essential nutrition programs during crises.
5. Equity, Gender and Vulnerable Populations
Highlighting the disproportionate impact of COVID19 and NCDs on women, children, older adults and displaced persons, and discussing culturallysensitive nutrition interventions.
Program Highlights
Day 1 Opening & Plenaries
- Welcome address Dr. Maria Alvarez, WHO Nutrition Director
- Keynote Nutrition as a FrontLine Defense in Pandemics Prof. James OConnor, University of Sydney
- Panel Integrating Nutrition into COVID19 Response Strategies representatives from UNICEF, FAO, World Bank
Day 2 Evidence & Innovations
- Session Micronutrient supplementation trial results (Vitamin D, Zinc)
- Workshop Designing digital nutrition counseling tools for remote care
- Poster roundtable Communitybased foodbank models during lockdowns
Day 3 Policy Lab
- Breakout groups develop national nutrition emergency response frameworks
- Live feedback from policy makers of 15 countries
- Draft Global Nutrition Resilience Charter
Day 4 Closing & Future Directions
- Roundtable Linking nutrition data systems with pandemic surveillance
- Closing remarks Prof. Aisha Rahman, International Nutrition Council
- Announcement of research grants for postconference projects
Featured Speakers
Dr. Maria Alvarez WHO Nutrition Director
Dr. Alvarez leads global nutrition policy and has guided WHOs response to emergencies, focusing on micronutrient interventions and foodsystem continuity.
Prof. James OConnor University of Sydney
Renowned immunologist whose research on dietimmune interactions has informed clinical guidelines for COVID19 management.
Prof. Aisha Rahman International Nutrition Council
Expert in NCD prevention, she chairs the councils task force on nutritionrelated health inequities.
Registration
Earlybird registration (until 30June 2026) is $350 for professionals and $150 for students. Late registration is $450 and $200 respectively.
All registrants receive:
- Full access to live streams and ondemand recordings
- Digital conference pack (abstract book, speaker slides)
- Certificate of participation
- Opportunity to submit a poster (deadline 15July 2026)
To register, visit https://www.nutri-covid-ncd2026.org/register and complete the online form.
