Measuring and Tracking Food Environments in Asia: Evidence for Policy Action

On June 12, 2026, SHAPE Asia, in collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), hosted a webinar on measuring and tracking food environments to support evidence-informed policy action across Asia. The webinar brought together experts from academia, research, policy, and youth leadership to share perspectives on food environment monitoring, digital interventions, dietary assessment, participatory research approaches, and policy-relevant methodological applications. The discussion highlighted how data, monitoring frameworks, and innovative tools can generate actionable evidence to support healthier food environments and food systems. It also underscored the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders, including young people, in shaping food environment research, policy, and action. The webinar featured expert speakers: 1. Prof. Boyd Swinburn (University of Auckland, New Zealand) - Global and Regional Food Environment Monitoring 2. Prof. Eric Andrew Finkelstein (Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore) - Digital Interventions and Food Purchasing Trends 3. Prof. Renuka Silva (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka) - Dietary Assessment and Food Environment Analysis 4. Ms. Vishaka Thilakerathne (Multi Sector Development Solutions) - Community-Level Participatory Research Approaches 5. Mr. Pulasthi Amarasinghe, PhD (Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka) - Policy-Relevant Methodological Applications and Insights 6. Ms. Nurina Syahmina Ramesh (Director, ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) Enviro) - Youth Perspectives on Measuring and Tracking Food Environments The webinar was moderated by Nisha Arunatilake, PhD (SHAPE Asia, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka). Follow us for updates on our webinars, research, and other activities: Website: https://shape-asia.nsysu.edu.tw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHAPEAsiaOfficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shape.asia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shapeasia/ #SHAPEPolicy #FoodEnvironments #FoodSystems #EvidenceForPolicy #PublicHealthNutrition