The Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP), a collaborative initiative between the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) and the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), was established with the aim of empowering young scholars in the field of nutrition in China, to expand their thinking beyond professional boundaries and develop into confident, globally-minded leaders. Since its inception in 2008, this flagship programme has been conducted eight times, successfully cultivating over 300 leaders in the nutritional profession and establishing itself as a key initiative for nurturing young leadership within the nutrition society.
The 9th Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP) took place in the city of Ürümqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 2–7, 2026. This programme was jointly organized by the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), and the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS). After selection process involving nominations, initial screening, and competitive evaluation, 46 participants representing a diverse background from Universities, Research institutions, medical facilities, Provincial CDCs were chosen from over 100 applicants to join this programme.
Programme Key Themes
- International Perspective and Innovative Thinking: To broaden participants’ global outlook and cultivate innovative approaches to challenges in the nutrition field.
- Professional Integration and Capacity Building: To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance professional competence across diverse domains.
- Vision Enhancement and Comprehensive Literacy: To broaden participants’ horizons and refine their overall professional and cultural literacy.
- Leadership and Implementation Capability: To elevate participants’ leadership skills, ensure the effective execution of ideas, and improve their ability to communicate with clarity and impact.
Picture 1. The group photo of the opening ceremony of 9th CNLP
Programme Overview
At the opening ceremony held on August 2, Professor Yuexin Yang, President of the Chinese Nutrition Society;President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies, officially announced the beginning of the programme. She emphasized that the goal of CNLP is not “professional” learning by itself, but rather expanding one’s thinking and identifying personal growth areas. She noted that leadership training is not about learning administrative authority, but about self-improvement and self-management encompassing execution, cooperation, guidance, and influence—all rooted in the power of thought. Professor Yang encouraged participants to cherish the opportunity, engage in earnest study, foster teamwork within their groups, build friendships, and enlighten one another through the learning process.
Picture 2. Professor Yuexin Yang，President of Chinese Nutrition Society,President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Society , delivers an opening speech
Following the opening, participants engaged in leadership self-assessment, ice-breaking activities, group division, and task assignments. The 46 participants were organized into four groups – Event Operations, Media&News, Culture&Sports, and Team Development – each with distinct responsibilities, and were actively involved in planning and implementing activities throughout the programme.
Picture 3. Candidates for class monitor and group leaders.
Over the subsequent five days, the programme was delivered through a diverse mix of lectures, panel discussions, forums, site visits, and interactive workshops, structured around four core modules: international perspective and innovative thinking; professional integration and capacity building; vision enhancement and comprehensive literacy; and leadership and implementation skills. Each module combined theoretical grounding with hands-on practice, covering cutting edge topics in nutrition science, research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural awareness, and team management. Faculty members from multiple countries and disciplines, including China, the United States, and Italyetc., contributed to the sessions, enriching participants’ global outlook and practical skills.
Complementing the formal sessions, each group designed and facilitated interactive activities that put leadership principles into practice, including self-awareness exercises, professional branding, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution through a structured debate on dietary patterns and a scenario-based negotiation simulation. An evening peer-exchange session further allowed participants to explore practical challenges in leadership and communication.
Picture 4. The Culture & Sports Group leads participants in break-time activities.
Picture 5. Team Development Group leads Scenario-based simulation exercise
On August 7, the programme held its final summary and learning achievement sharing session. Representatives from each group delivered presentations in English, reflecting on their gains in terms of broadened industry vision, enhanced professional skills, elevated leadership qualities, and strengthened team collaboration. Some participants also shared their personal reflections：
“This experience has made me realize that true breakthroughs come from organized collaborative research, systematic data sharing, and the heartfelt exchange of experience.”
“Not a nutrition major, but I came purely for my love of clinical nutrition. My heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Nutrition Society for building this precious platform for young clinicians and scholars—and for this extraordinary opportunity to grow and connect.”
A panel of experts provided on-site comments and feedback. They commended the participants’ rapid progress and deep thinking, and encouraged them to continue consolidating their professional foundations, to develop their own distinctive “nutrition labels,” and to actively contribute to the national Healthy China initiative.
The ceremony included a video review produced by the Media&News group, followed by the presentation of training certificates.
Conclusion
The 9th CNLP has successfully achieved its goal of equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field of nutrition. The participants expressed that the five-day training had not only improved their professional literacy but also enhanced their teamwork and leadership abilities. They unanimously agreed that this training was not an end point but a new starting point for their professional growth, and they pledged to apply what they had learned and continue to contribute to the development of the nutrition field. Additionally, the participants have formed deep friendships and established extensive cooperation networks. It is believed that in the future, these participants will become leading figures in the field of nutrition, collectively advancing the prosperity and development of the nutrition industry and guiding it towards new heights.
Source: https://iuns.org/2026/08/the-9th-chines ... in-urumqi/
