Introduction

The Food and Nutrition Conference 2024, held on August 09-10, 2024, at the Expo Center in Karachi, was a significant event that brought together experts, professionals, and academics from the fields of food sciences, nutrition, health, and wellness. The conference focused on the latest innovations and technologies in the food and health sectors, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition, sustainable practices, and advancements in food processing and packaging. With a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, and keynote addresses, the event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among industry leaders and scholars.

Day 1: August 09, 2024

Inaugural Session

The conference began with the registration of participants and networking, followed by the arrival and welcome of guests. The official inauguration of the Expo was conducted by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honor, marking the start of the exhibition and conference. A media talk by the Chief Guest followed, providing insights into the significance of the event and its impact on the food and health industries.

The inaugural session of the conference commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool, and the National Anthem. Mr. Rana Muhammad Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of safe food practices and the role of innovation in achieving public health goals.

Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Chairman of the Department of Food Sciences at Punjab University Lahore, provided an overview of the summit, highlighting the key themes and objectives of the conference. The keynote talk was delivered by Syed Iftikhar Hussain Bukhari, VP Projects & Methodology at Climefy, who spoke on “Good Food Habits for Business Entrepreneurs,” stressing the link between nutrition and productivity.

Guest of Honor remarks were provided by Mr. Sajid Ali, Head of Operations at Helping Hand for Relief and Development Pakistan, and Sardar Fahad Khan, Patron of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who both emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in improving food safety and public health. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, followed by a group photo with guests and the organizing team.

Technical Session-01: Innovative Technologies in Health, Food, and Packaging Industry

The first technical session was organized by Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences and focused on innovative technologies in the health, food, and packaging industries. Moderated by Sidra Javed and coordinated by Hamid Ur Rehman, the session was chaired by Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Director R&D at PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore, with Dr. Muhammad Anees Ur Rehman and Dr. Ammara Hasnain as co-chairs.

Key presentations included:

• Mr. Muhammad Aqib Shabbir discussed the hidden impacts of artificial intelligence-based detection of emerging contaminants on ecosystems and human health.
• Ms. Saira Perveen presented on compliance in food and packaging industries, emphasizing sustainable practices.
• Ms. Zargull Arshad from the Department of Biotechnology highlighted the issue of microplastics in water pollution.
• Ms. Habiba Naeem from the Department of Nutrition addressed the impact of water-borne and water-washed diseases on human health.
• Dr. M. Azeem provided innovative solutions and sustainable recommendations for the water crisis in Pakistan.

The session concluded with a keynote lecture by Dr. Shafqat Rasool, HOD at the School of Eastern Medicine, Minhaj University Lahore, followed by concluding remarks from Dr. Ammara Hasnain. Guest of Honor Dr. Hafiz M. Idress Khan, HOD of the Department of Eastern Medicine at Superior University Lahore, provided closing remarks. The session ended with the distribution of shields and certificates, a vote of thanks by Dr. M. Anees Ur Rehman, and a group photo.

Day 2: August 10, 2024

Technical Session-02: Unlocking Wellness: The Power of Nutrition for Optimal Health

The second day began with a technical session organized by the University of Management and Technology & PNDS, focusing on the power of nutrition for optimal health. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Salman Bashir, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at UMT, with RDN Rashidah Javed as co-chair.

Highlights of the session included:

• Ms. Hajra Saleem, Consultant Dietitian at Evercare Hospital, discussed the Mediterranean diet and its impact on mental wellness.
• Ms. Maria Nadeem Khan, Clinical Nutritionist at Rainbow Obesity and Eating Disorders Center, spoke on “MyPlate and Mindful Eating,” emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition.
• Ms. Waffa Ali, Manager Research Nutrition at PHC Global, presented on multiple micronutrient supplementation and its benefits.
• Ms. Kanza Saleem, a nutrition student at FCC, discussed dietary approaches for chronic illness prevention.

The session concluded with remarks from the session chair and co-chair, followed by guest of honor remarks from Prof. Ghazala Pervez Zaman, Prof. Dr. Sanaullah Iqbal, and Prof. Dr. Samra Imran. The session ended with the distribution of shields and certificates, a vote of thanks by Dr. Afifa Tanweer, and a group photo.

Technical Session-03: Wellness through Nutrition: The Science of Balanced Eating

The final technical session of the conference, organized by the Global Nutrition & Wellness Center, focused on the science of balanced eating. The session was chaired by Prof. Ghazala Pervez Zaman, Advisor PNDS & PFA, with Dr. Mahnaz Nasir Khan as co-chair.

Key presentations included:

• Dr. Shifa Ali, Clinical Dietitian at Ittefaq Hospital, discussed the importance of micronutrients and supplementation for a balanced diet.
• Ms. Azka Fatima Akhtar, Clinical Nutritionist at Mustashfa Medical Center, presented on the impact of functional foods on health and nutrition.
• Ms. Sumbal Arif, CEO of The DIET WALL, highlighted the power of superfoods in enhancing nutrition for optimal health.
• Dr. Shiza Rauf, Consultant Dietitian & Nutritionist, spoke on essential factors for a balanced diet.

The session concluded with a panel discussion titled “Wellness in the Modern Era,” moderated by Dr. Warda Sikandar, which included contributions from Dr. Touseef Iqbal Khan, Ms. Ayesha Siddiqa, Hafsa Yousaf, Saba Wahid, Aqsa Shoukat, and Dr. Noha Sajjad. Concluding remarks were provided by the session chair and co-chair, followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem and the distribution of shields and certificates.

Closing Ceremony

The conference concluded with a closing ceremony, where Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President of NAFS Pakistan, provided opening remarks, followed by guest of honor remarks. Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali presented the conference recommendations, and Mr. Uzair Nizam, Director of Food Asia, provided closing remarks. The event ended with the distribution of shields and certificates among the organizers and team members, followed by a final vote of thanks by Mr. Awais Khan, Chairman of NAFS Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Food and Nutrition Conference 2024 was a successful and impactful event, providing a platform for discussing the latest advancements in food science, nutrition, and wellness. The conference emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the food and health industries. Participants left with valuable insights and a renewed commitment to advancing public health through safe and nutritious food practices.