Science week ends calls for strong partnerships to transform food systems

The world is at a crossroads, and cannot meet complex and interconnected challenges without transforming food systems, this was the clarion call as the CGIAR Science Week came to a close.

CGIAR Science Week, co-hosted by KALRO, underscored the transformative power of science when coupled with strategic partnerships.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed said with one-third of the global population remaining food insecure, and mounting challenges ahead, science must be at the heart of accelerating the urgent solutions sought.

Ms Amina said with the right investment,  agriculture has the potential to be humanity’s biggest solution to global agri-challenges.

She said investment of $4 billion over 2025-2027 are urgently needed to unlock the power of science and innovation to tackle climate change, increase productivity, and help transform food, land, and water systems to be able to address the pressing challenges of today.

“Strategic gatherings like Science Week help chart pathways for how we build sustainable and resilient food systems,” she said.

By gathering stakeholders, policymakers, experts, innovators, and farmers in one place, Science Week made great inroads into advancing vital themes.

At a time when climate, food, and health systems are under strain, Science Week reaffirmed that science, when guided by purpose and delivered through strong partnerships, has the power to transform, proving that strength lies in collaboration that turns insights into action, and action into impact.

By building on the momentum of Science Week, CGIAR will drive tangible benefits for communities worldwide by strengthening ties with partners and funders, working to ratify key agreements, and advancing the development and scaling of innovations presented.

Throughout the event, collaboration took center stage as participants shared technologies and insights and discussed the further development of groundbreaking innovations with the potential to revolutionize agri-food systems - making them more resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

Eliud Kireger, Director General, KALRO said the debates held, and showcasing of science, not only illuminated the path forward but reaffirmed a collective commitment to a food-secure future.

“Through debate, presentations, and presentation of pioneering innovation, Science Week highlighted both the successes we can build on and the gaps that we are better positioned to address. The conversation doesn’t end here. This is just the beginning,” said Kireger.

His sentiments were echoed by Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR who said the dialogues and connections fostered at the event will undoubtedly propel their shared mission forward.

“Over past days, we've explored groundbreaking research, forged new collaborations, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems,” said Ismahane.