Child Nutrition Discussed at Istanbul Science Summit 2026

At the Istanbul Science Summit 2026, organized by the Sabri Ülker Food Research Institute Foundation in cooperation with The Nutrition Society, the lifelong impacts of nutrition on children's healthy growth and development were addressed. Bringing together experts from different countries, the summit emphasized that the foundations of healthy development are laid in the first 1,000 days of life and the subsequent 7,000 days.

Scientists from various countries and disciplines delivered joint messages at the summit emphasizing that the foundations of healthy development are laid during the first 1,000 days of life and the subsequent 7,000 days covering childhood and adolescence. Attention was drawn to the complementary roles of families, educators, and health professionals in instilling healthy eating habits.

Binali Yıldırım, the last Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, 28th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), and Member of the Presidential High Advisory Board, stated that children worldwide do not have the same opportunities and that child nutrition is a global responsibility. Deputy Minister of Health Şuayip Birinci emphasized that child health is a holistic process, while Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan touched upon the importance of access to safe products.

Lasting two days and bringing together 336 participants, the summit was viewed approximately 2,000 times via YouTube live broadcasts. While the sessions were followed by over a thousand visitors through the corporate website, the event paved the way for new collaboration opportunities among researchers and scientific institutions.