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The 2025 Asian Dietetic Forum

On August 5, 2025, Osaka will host the Asian Dietetic Forum (ADF2025) at the Kansai Expo Health Pavilion Reborn Stage, organized by the Japan Dietetic Association (JDA), which represents approximately 50,000 nutritionists. This event, supported by the Asian Federation of Dietetic Associations (AFDA) and the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA), is set to convene leaders from various Asian countries under the theme 'Empowering Health and Happiness for All Through Nutrition'.

A Collaborative Effort Across Asia

The forum's primary goal is to address contemporary nutritional challenges in Asia and propose strategies for future nutritional practices. Delegates from member organizations of the Asian Federation will come together to share insights, experiences, and solutions. The culmination of these discussions will result in the adoption of the Osaka Nutrition Declaration 2025, aimed at fostering health and happiness through improved nutrition.

Key Points of the Osaka Nutrition Declaration 2025

The Osaka Nutrition Declaration emphasizes the importance of nutrition as a fundamental element affecting health, healthcare, welfare, education, labor, gender equity, economic conditions, and environmental sustainability needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are the main highlights:
1. Nutrition is the foundation for achieving SDGs through health, welfare, and education.
2. Ending all forms of malnutrition is vital for the well-being of all individuals.
3. Food security and robust nutrition policies are essential to eradicate malnutrition.
4. There is a pressing need for practical research in nutrition and the advancement of strategic nutrition policies, alongside developing skilled professionals.
5. A robust educational framework for dietitians, aligned with international standards, is vital for the future.
6. International collaboration, particularly with organizations like the ICDA, is critical for achieving these goals.

Insights into Asian Nutritional Challenges

Historically, Japan has established a strong foundation in nutrition science. Since the country's post-World War II recovery, nutrition has been integral to national policy. Japan's experience has resulted in over one million registered nutritionists and dietitians striving to ensure equitable access to nutritious food across all sectors of society.

However, Asia faces significant nutritional challenges, characterized by a dual burden of malnutrition:

• - In developing countries, poverty leads to nutrient deficiencies.
• - Rapidly evolving nations grapple with insufficiencies in rural and impoverished areas.
• - In wealthier nations, issues of overnutrition and metabolic diseases are prevalent, particularly among the affluent, children, and the elderly.

The forum will also discuss future objectives wherein nutritionists will be integral to addressing these issues, leading to a society where all people can access nutritious food, aligning with the overarching vision of the forum.

The Role of the Japan Dietetic Association

The Japan Dietetic Association, led by its president, Mr. Taka Nishikawa, is dedicated to enhancing food environments and promoting health through the effective training and education of nutrition professionals. With its strong commitment to international collaboration and public health, the JDA aims to set a precedent for similar initiatives across Asia, ensuring a comprehensive approach to nutritional challenges.

Through initiatives like the Asian Dietetic Forum, the JDA emphasizes the importance of collaboration, strategic policy-making, and research in creating a future where everyone can enjoy the power of nutrition for better health and happiness.