Doctoral Program Student of Population, Risni Julaeni Yuhan attended the Asia Regional Gathering 2025 event held at the Marino Beach Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 17-21, 2025. This activity was organized by the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Network (SUN CSN) Asia.
The Asia Regional Gathering has a very strategic value, both in increasing scientific capacity and real contributions to nutrition advocacy. The event, which was attended by representatives of Civil Society Alliances (CSAs) from 18 countries in Asia and CSA United Kingdom, discussed strengthening the sustainability of CSA, improving governance, fundraising strategies, and adopting innovations in nutrition advocacy.
“This forum is a momentum to collaborate academic theory with policy practices and advocacy in the field. Especially as a student whose study focuses on nutrition issues, gender equality and caregiving in the household, this forum is a place for comparative studies to strengthen and voice research results that can be implemented in efforts to accelerate the achievement of zero hunger and improve the quality of nutrition in Asia.” said Risni, a student of the UGM Population Studies Doctoral Program who was present representing PP Nasyiatul Aisyiyah as co-lead of SUN CSA Indonesia.
On that occasion, Risni highlighted the challenges and achievements of nutrition advocacy in Indonesia, including cross-sectoral collaboration and evidence-based strategies. “This forum opens up space to voice the challenges and achievements of nutrition advocacy in Indonesia, while expanding networks with key actors in the field of nutrition and sustainable development in the Asian region,” she added.
In the CSA 2024 Report discussion session, Risni emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening nutrition advocacy with a multi-sectoral approach and sharing experiences in SUN CSA governance. The event also included workshops on organizational governance, fundraising strategies, and communication training in nutrition advocacy.
Risni participated in a field visit to study the implementation of community-based nutrition programs in Sri Lanka. With Indonesia’s active participation in this forum, it is hoped that collaboration between countries in SUN CSN Asia will be stronger so that it can accelerate the achievement of zero hunger and improve the quality of nutrition in Asia.
Author : Risni Julaeni Yuhan
Editor : Siti Muyasaroh