Mindful of the need to maintain a healthy society for an ageing population and educate the importance of dietary health for everyone, Japanese local authorities have been at the forefront of promoting nutritional awareness with their targeted approach towards food education at all levels of society. At the same time, the UK has sought through local action and national programmes to address unhealthy eating habits and access to affordable food as part of the local public health duty and new national food strategy. What can policymakers in the UK and Japan learn from each other in securing better outcomes via local food strategies?
This year’s JLGC Seminar will look at the role of local government in achieving a healthier post-pandemic society through a dialogue among local officials, academics and health professionals aimed at understanding how local residents can be better engaged around dietary choices. Efforts by Japanese local authorities in promoting healthy nutrition for all and better outcomes through local food policy overall are also enabling Japan to contribute towards its national objectives in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture).
Speakers and panellists:
Professor Yukari Takemi, Graduate School of Nutrition Sciences, Kagawa Nutrition University
- Professor Jim McManus, Director of Public Health, Hertfordshire County Council and President, Association of Directors of Public Health
- Noriko Nakata, Manager, Food-based Community Development Division, Planning Department, Obama City Government
- Chihiro Oizumi, Senior Section Chief, Food Education Promotion Office, Health Promotion Division, Sanjo City Government
- Nat Defriend, Interim Chief Executive, Participatory City Foundation
- Sarah Williams, Programmes Director, Sustain
- Kristin Bash FFPH, Consultant in Public Health (Health and Wellbeing), Yorkshire and Humber, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
- Jayne Jones, Commercial Manager, Argyll and Bute Council
- Heather Jameson, Editor, Municipal Journal (moderator)
Who should attend?
This online policy seminar will be of primary interest to local government staff, councillors and professionals working in public health, nutrition and education, as well as those interested in international dialogue between cities and local governments more broadly.
