Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia Celebrates 20 Years of Impact and Calls for Accelerated Nutrition and Food Systems
- Written by FoNSE
- Category: About Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 20, 2026
The Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia (FoNSE) successfully commemorated its 20th Anniversary and Annual Conference from 19–20 June 2026 at the Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, United Nations agencies, researchers, academia, civil society organizations, and FoNSE members from across the country.
The two-day conference served as a platform to celebrate FoNSE’s two decades of contribution to Ethiopia’s food and nutrition landscape while fostering dialogue and collective action toward accelerating food systems transformation and improved nutrition outcomes.
Dr. Masresha Tessema, President of FoNSE, in his welcome address highlighted the two primary objectives of the conference: first, to celebrate the Society’s 20-years journey and achievements with its members and strategic partners; and second, to mobilize renewed commitment and collective action to advance nutrition agenda in a more effective and coordinated manner.
Reflecting on the Society’s accomplishments, Dr. Masresha emphasized FoNSE’s significant role in generating and translating evidence into policy and practice, strengthening professional networking, and contributing to national efforts aimed at improving food and nutrition security
The conference was officially opened by H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, who commended FoNSE for its outstanding contribution to evidence generation and policy advocacy in Ethiopia. He noted that the Society has played a pivotal role in informing several landmark national initiatives and policy frameworks, including the Food and Nutrition Policy, the Seqota Declaration, the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP), and the National School Feeding Programme. He further acknowledged FoNSE’s efforts in promoting nutrition financing and sustaining high-level commitment to nutrition across sectors.
The conference attracted distinguished dignitaries and senior government officials, including H.E. Ato Demeke Mekonen, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Founder and Chairperson of Yadam Foundation; H.E. Ato Tarekegn Bululta, State Minister, Ministry of Industry; H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa,State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Getachew Tolera, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute; and Dr. Firew Tegegn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Transformation Institute. Representatives from United Nations agencies, development partners, academia, professional associations, and civil society organizations also actively participated.
Senior government officials and development partners delivered keynote speeches emphasizing the need for stronger multisectoral collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and innovative approaches to address the persistent food and nutrition challenges. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in insightful discussions on Ethiopia’s evolving food systems and nutrition priorities.
As part of the 20th Anniversary celebration, FoNSE recognized outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions to food and nutrition development in Ethiopia. Awards were presented across various categories to acknowledge excellence in research and education, leadership, program implementation, champion of the nutrition, and service to the Society. The award ceremony underscored FoNSE’s commitment to promoting innovation, professional excellence, and impactful contributions to the country’s development agenda.
As the Society embarks on its next chapter, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively toward achieving sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems. The conference concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress toward nutrition-secure and healthier Ethiopia. Finally, the new FoNSE Executive Committee members were elected for the coming two yearsto lead and oversee the societies strategic affairs.
