Food and Nature Forum: Turning Science into Action for Food Systems

15 October 2026. Food and Nature Forum: Turning Science into Action for Food Systems

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT organise the Food & Nature Forum: Turning Science into Action for Food Systems Transformation at Maison de la Poste, Tour & Taxis, Brussels, as part of Brussels Climate Week 2026 (12–16 October). 

The Forum brings together researchers, European policymakers, development organisations, investors, private-sector actors and innovation partners to explore how scientific knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for more resilient, diverse and sustainable agrifood systems. 

Discussions focuses on soil health, agrobiodiversity and opportunity crops, deforestation-free value chains, financing nature-positive agriculture and scaling research-based innovations. A central question will be how to move beyond fragmented research findings and isolated pilot projects towards investments, policies and partnerships that enable implementation at scale.

09:00–09:25 Opening and keynote: Science, partnerships and investment

Opening reflections will examine how science, international cooperation and investment can contribute to resilient and sustainable food and land systems.

• Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
• Annemarie Van der Avort, Director of Environment and Climate, Belgian Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

09:30–10:30 Panel 1 – From Soil Knowledge to Action: Turning Evidence into Locally Adapted Solutions

With scene-setting by KU Leuven, the panel will compare experiences across Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia, examining soil degradation, declining fertility, climate shocks and fertiliser dependency. It will explore how soil-health research can inform locally adapted solutions and how successful approaches can be financed and scaled.

• Stephanie Speck, Global Director, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement & Communications, Alliance
• Job Kihara, Principal Scientist, Soil and Water Management, Alliance
• Luis Sánchez Álvarez, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
• Dr Ellen Desie, Professor, KU Leuven.

11:00am – 12:30pm De-risking the Path to Resilience. Exploring financial mechanisms that can support the farmers’ transition to sustainable agriculture

Format: Closed-door, invitation-only working roundtable.

The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI Platform), a global non-profit organisation
bringing together more than 190 members from the food and beverage industry to advance sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

AB InBev participates in SAI Platform's industry-wide efforts to harmonise sustainability approaches and promote regenerative farming practices across agricultural supply chains, particularly for crops such as barley. The collaboration focuses on improving soil health, biodiversity, water management, climate resilience and farmers' livelihoods. 

AB InBev was among the companies involved in SAI Platform's collaborative regenerative agriculture initiative launched in 2019, which contributed to
developing common principles, indicators and practices. SAI Platform subsequently launched its Regenerating Together framework in 2023 to support consistent measurement and implementation of regenerative agriculture across different commodities and regions.

• Katie Hoard, Global VP Sustainability Operations, AB InBev
• Nikolai Porkhov, Public Affairs & Outreach Director, SAI Platform

11:00–12:30 Closed-door roundtable – Advancing Traceable and Deforestation-Free Agricultural Value Chains

This invitation-based discussion will bring together selected public, private and research actors to examine implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), focusing on coffee and cocoa supply chains. Issues include traceability, data interoperability, smallholder inclusion, ecosystem-service verification and opportunities to generate additional value for producers.

14:00–15:00 Panel 2 – Opportunity Crops for Agrobiodiversity-Based Food Systems

The panel will address how neglected, underutilised and locally adapted crops can contribute to diversified food systems, healthier diets and rural livelihoods. It will explore the role of farmer knowledge, seed systems, processing, consumer demand, private-sector engagement and investment in expanding the cultivation and commercialisation of opportunity crops.

• Carlo Fadda, Director, Agrobiodiversity, Alliance
• Francesca Grazioli, Scientist, Alliance
• Gloria Otieno, Scientist, Alliance
• Filip Vandelook, Director of Science, Meise Botanic Garden
• Christophe Larose, Head of Sector, Sustainable Agriculture, DG International Partnerships, European Commission
• Beatrice Egulu, Policy Officer, Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission; 
• Thomas Lopes, Research and Innovation Brokerage Manager, COLEAD.

15:00–16:00 Panel 3 – Using Science to Mobilize Finance for Nature

Led by CGIAR's ImpactSF initiative, the session will explore how research evidence can reduce investment risks and attract finance for nature-positive agricultural practices. It will examine mechanisms for directing capital towards smallholder farmers while generating measurable environmental, climate and livelihood benefits.

• Martina Melchiori, Senior Impact Officer, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF); 
• Marcela Quintero, Associate Director General, Research Strategy and Innovation, Alliance; 
• Godefroy Grosjean, CGIAR Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) Co-Lead; 
• Noémie Renier, Chief Commercial Officer, Incofin; 
• Julie Loyson, ESG Risk & Impact Lead, AGRI3; 
• Julius Kalulu, CEO, Just Know Your Coffee Cup (JKCC); 
• Koen Van Troos, Manager, International Partnerships & Communication, BIO; 
• Maike Möllers, Head of the CompensACTION Secretariat.

16:15–17:15 Panel 4 – Scaling Science-Based Innovations: From Lab to Market

Led by the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), the panel will examine how agricultural research innovations can move beyond laboratory development and pilot projects towards commercialisation and widespread adoption. Discussions will address technology validation, entrepreneurship, investment readiness, partnerships and market access, with particular attention to connecting research organisations, startups, investors and agricultural end users.

• Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovative Finance, Alliance
• Koen Dekeyser, Policy Analyst, ECDPM
• Vincenzo Lorusso, Policy Officer, International Cooperation, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission; 
• Frida Koslowski, Co-Founder and Director, Kindling Venture; 
• Aziza Inoubli, Innovation and Venture Ecosystem Advisor.

Nature Day and the Innovation Expo

Alongside the Forum, the Alliance will contribute to Brussels Climate Week's Nature Day plenary on Agriculture, Land & Food Systems (14:00–15:00), with Stephanie Speck among the listed contributors. The session will explore regenerative agriculture, land restoration, water resilience, traceability, digital solutions and sustainable finance.

At the Nature Day Expo (09:00–17:30), the Alliance will showcase two initiatives:

• International Musa Germplasm Transit Centre (09:00–12:30): Hosted by KU Leuven, this collection of more than 1,700 banana accessions supports crop conservation, research and resilience against pests, diseases and climate stresses.
• Cacao of Excellence (14:00–17:30): An initiative connecting cacao genetic diversity, quality assessment, flavour recognition and market opportunities for producers.

Science & Innovation @ FAO’s World Food Forum

8 - 16 October 2026. FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF)

8 to 12 October. From Seeds to Foods

The Forum is organised around three interconnected pillars: Global Youth Action, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum. Its 2026 flagship event is organised under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.” 

It features policy dialogues, scientific sessions, innovation laboratories, investment matchmaking, exhibitions and side events, with particular emphasis on connecting modern science and technology with traditional knowledge and locally relevant innovations.

The Science and Innovation sessions (13–15 October 2026) aim to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems by strengthening the connections between scientific research, technological innovation, policymaking and practical action. Bringing together researchers, policymakers, development partners, private-sector actors, farmers and young innovators, the sessions explore how science and innovation can address food insecurity, climate change, biodiversity loss and inequalities in agrifood systems. 

Key discussions focus on strengthening science–policy interfaces, improving access to reliable evidence, mobilising investment in agricultural research and innovation, harnessing digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and developing more inclusive research partnerships. Particular attention is given to translating scientific knowledge into locally relevant solutions, empowering women and youth, and ensuring that innovations reach smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities. 

Tuesday, 13 October — Science & Innovation Forum 

SP01 14:00 – Science & Innovation Forum Opening: Accelerating science & innovation for food security impacts

The 2026 Science and Innovation Forum opens with a Plenary on harnessing science and innovation for agrifood transformation and food security. Under the theme "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow”, leading speakers spark dialogue on working together to accelerate progress. The Plenary highlights data, and evidence and technology for decision-making, while noting that millions still lack basic technologies. All career stages and stakeholders are invited to build a stronger global community for action.

• QU Dongyu Director-General, FAO
• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• H.E. Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Uzbekistan
• H. E. Armando Rodríguez Batista Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Havana, The Republic of Cuba
• HRH Princess Basma bint Ali FAO Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Near East and North Africa
• Mr Alexander Alimov Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation
• Prof. Paolo Benanti, TOR Professor of Moral Theology and Ethics of Technology, Advisor to the Vatican on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy
• Ana Maria Bertolini, WFF Young Scientist Group and University of São Paulo (USP)
• Ms Wafa Ben-Hassine, Chief, Digital Technology and Human Rights Section Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf, President-elect International Science Council (ISC) Amsterdam, Netherlands
• H.E. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya
• Dr Segenet Kelemu, Executive Director Pan-African Programs Mastercard Foundation Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Director General Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) New Delhi, India
• Dr. Vincent Martin, Director, Office of Innovation, FAO 
• Mr Martien van Nieuwkoop, Director, Agricultural Development Gates Foundation
• Mr Achim Steiner, Senior Fellow Oxford Martin School University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom
• Prof. Ryutaro Tao, Vice President Dean of the Faculty and Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan
• Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Nairobi, Kenya
• Prof. Valmaine Toki, Chair and Pacific Member, United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) & Professor of Law Te Piringa Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
• Dr. Andrew Zolli, Co-founder Chief Impact Officer Planet Labs PBC San Francisco, United States of America

SP02 16.30 - 18.00 – Seeds of trust: rethinking science communication for food security

Science and innovation are critical for agrifood transformation, but does evidence alone drive change, or does how and by whom science is communicated matter just as much? Launching a joint FAO and International Science Council paper, this session explores who communicates science, for whom, and why; whose knowledge counts; how trust is built; and how artificial intelligence should reshape science communication. Experts from research, media, policy and civil society will debate. 

• Prof. Charles Spillane, Chief Scientist, FAO
• Anne Aubert, Senior Communications Officer, Office of Corporate Communications, FAO
• Dr Germana Barata, Science Journalist and Researcher, Laboratory of Advanced Studies in Journalism University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
• Ms Valerie Bizier, Deputy Director, Statistics Division, FAO
• Dr Mariette DiChristina, Dean, Professor of the Practice in Journalism, College of Communication, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
• Ms Wara Iris Ruiz Condori, Youth Policy Board Member, World Food Forum, Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
• Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf, President-elect International Science Council (ISC), Distinguished University Professor of Mathematical Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Prof. Joan Leach, Acting Provost & Senior Vice-President, The Australian National University, Australia
• Dr Preet Lidder, Technical Advisor, Office of FAO Chief Scientist
• Dr Sheila Obim, Executive Director, Alliance for Science, Nairobi, Kenya
• Ms Brigitte Perrin, Founder, Earth Info Hub, Geneva, Switzerland
• Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, President African Gong, The Pan-African Network for the Popularization of Science and Technology and Science Communication, Cape Town, South Africa
• Dr Dyna Rochmyaningsih, Science Journalist Independent Jakarta, Indonesia
• Dr Dan Santos, Research Fellow Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University Australia
• Ms Anne-Sophie Stevance, Policy Director International Science Council (ISC) Paris, France
• Dr Hisham Younes, Founder and President Green Southerners, Researcher in Environmental and Climate Issues, London, United Kingdom

IM03 14:00 - Hand in Hand Regional Initiative: Scaling Regional Investment for Agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa

Southern Africa's expanded six-pillar regional investment architecture under the SADC–FAO Hand-in-Hand partnership. Building on progress in irrigation, mechanization, agroprocessing, and trade integration. This program now expands to include seed systems and aquaculture/fisheries—anchored in regional corridors (Lobito, Nacala, Walvis Bay, Beira, Mtwara, Maputo). Discover bankable opportunities. 

11:00 Side event: Rethinking Fertilizers and Soil Health

From uncertainty to resilience How can countries respond to fertilizer market uncertainty while building healthier soils and more resilient food systems? Drawing on policy, research and country experience, this side event explores practical solutions – from nutrient management and soil health approaches to smarter support systems – that can be adopted and scaled today. Participants will discuss what works in practice and the conditions needed to move proven solutions from pilot initiatives to impact at scale.

• Carla Barroso Carneiro Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN Agencies in Rome
• Jen Haugen Head of Food, Agriculture, Land and Social Protection, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Kazuki Kitaoka Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women
• Delphine Leconte-Demarsy Fertilizer Market Specialist, FAO Investment Centre 
• Henry Webber Senior Policy Officer, Fertilizer Policy UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
• Sergiy Zorya Global Lead for Public Policies and Expenditures, World Bank Group 

Wednesday, 14 October — Science-policy and science communication

ST01 8.30 - 10.00 – Lost in translation? Strengthening science–policy interfaces for evidence-informed decision-making

Particularly relevant to agricultural research organizations and NARS: addresses how scientific evidence can more effectively inform policy and decision-making. Robust evidence for agrifood systems is continually generated, but the machinery turning science into policy is often weak or unclear. This session asks why the science-policy interface can be a bottleneck: how advisory systems can be strengthened, how ministries can share one evidence base, how legitimacy and Indigenous knowledge fit in, and how officials' capacity to use evidence can grow. It also launches both a joint assessment by FAO and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and a FAO e-learning course, and hosts a frank exchange on what works.

• Dr. QU Dongyu FAO Director-General
• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• H.E. Armando Rodríguez Batista Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Havana, Cuba
• Dr Justine Betja Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser Department for Environment,  Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) London, United Kingdom
• Dr Cecilia Elizondo Member, Steering Committee High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Academic Member, Agroecology Group El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Chiapas, Mexico
• Dr Nizar Haddad Director General-designate International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Beirut, Lebanon
• H.E. Henry Musa Kpaka Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sierra Leone 
• Dr Preet Lidder Office of Chief Scientist, FAO
• Dr Sélim Louafi Deputy Director General for Research and Strategy French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) Montpellier, France
• Ms Greet Maenhout Deputy Director Directorate D – Sustainable Resources Joint Research Centre European Commission Ispra Italy
• Dr John Roche Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Wellington, New Zealand
• Prof. Sun Tan Vice-President Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) Beijing, China
• Ms Claudia Martínez Zuleta Country Director, FOLU Colombia Executive Director, E3 – Ecology, Economics and Ethics Bogotá, Colombia
  

ST02 8.30 - 10.00 – From Field to Future: Reimagining agricultural extension for smallholder food security

Agricultural extension links science to farmers' fields, but in many countries the connection is weak or underfunded. This session reviews evidence on extension effectiveness, why adoption often fails, and what farmers need to succeed. It weighs digital advisory platforms, artificial intelligence–enabled agronomy, knowledge centres, farmer field schools, and peer networks, and asks whether extension serves women equitably.

• Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel ADG & Regional Representative for Africa FAO
• Prof. Dr Ebraheem Suliman Yousuf Al Taha'at Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Ajloun National University, Ajloun, Jordan 
• Prof. Regina Birner Head, Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
• Ms Maria Auxiliadora Briones Executive Secretary, Latin America Network of Rural Advisory Services (RELASER) Managua, Nicaragua
• Dr Anamika Dey Chief Innovation Manager and CEO Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) Visiting Faculty, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) Ahmedabad, India
• Ms Isnawati Hidayah Senior Researcher, CELIOS; Founder, ROTASI Institute Member, WFF Young Scientists Group (Indonesia)
• Dr Timothy Krupnik Director, CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Montpellier, France
• Ms Lilian Lihasi Executive Director, African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) Kampala, Uganda
• Dr. Vincent Martin Office of Innovation FAO
• Mr Babafemi Oyewole CEO, Pan African Farmers' Organization (PAFO) Rwanda
• Ms Anne-Sophie Poisot Office of Innovation FAO
• Dr Saravanan Raj Director, Agricultural Extension National Institute of Agricultural Extension  Management MANAGE Hyderabad, India
• Dr. Selvaraju Ramasamy Office of Innovation FAO
• Mr Tsilavo Sarobidy Hasimbola Razanajatovo Director-General of Food Sovereignty, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Madagascar and Head of Delegation
• Mr Jozimo Santos Rocha Senior Agribusiness Officer and Officer-in Charge, CFIB
• Mr Milindi Sibomana Chief Agriculture Officer, One Acre Fund Kigali, Rwanda
• Dr Janny Vos Director,  Partnerships Development, CABI
  

YM10 10:30 – Transformative Research Challenge Finals

The Transformative Research Challenge Finals brings together ten finalist teams to showcase their innovations, engage with an international jury and partners and compete for recognition across five prize areas.

YM11 12.30 - 13.30 - Young Scientists Group: Young women navigating agrifood systems in conflict settings

The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group launches its biennial report: Resilience under pressure: Young women navigating conflict in Agrifood Systems. Bringing together young scientists, FAO leadership and global experts, the session unpacks how conflict reshapes young women's participation, agency and resilience in agrifood systems, and explores how evidence can drive more inclusive, youth- and gender-responsive policy and programming.

• Beth Bechdol, FAO DDG
• Prof. Charles Spillane, FAO Chief Scientist
• Dr. Nicoline de Haan, CGIAR Director
• Dr. Gabriela Hernandez, YSG member
• Alaa Osman, YPB member
• Naina Qayyum, YSG member
• Dr. Mayumi Sato, YSG member

ST12 12.30 - 13.30 - Launch of the 5th round of the Accelerator Mentorship Programme for Women-led SMEs in Africa

This event launches the fifth cohort of the Accelerator Mentorship Programme for Women-led small and medium enterprises in Africa, a joint FAO-Emerging Ag initiative. Since 2022 it has paired women agrifood entrepreneurs, who face gaps in land, finance and market access, with experienced mentors and training. The new cohort brings fifty women entrepreneurs together with mentors for nine months. Programme leadership, mentors and selected mentees will discuss evidence, results and challenges.

• Mr Maurizio Martina Deputy Director-General FAO
• Mr Abebe Haile Gabriele ADG, FAORAF
• Ms Robynne Anderson President Emerging Ag
• Mr Bernhard van Lengerich Founder and CEO Seeding the Future
• Marina Kamanzi Founder & Managing Director Kagezi Seed Company Limited Zambia
• Peserverance Muzeya Founder & CEO Alzanael Private Limited Zimbabwe
• Ms Yolande Nankeng Founder Extrait Végétal Sarl
• Ms Tacko Ndiaye Senior Officer Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) FAO
• Ms Lauren Michelle Phillips Director Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU)
• Ms Donna Rosa CEO Efour Enterprises
• Cherotich Rutto Founder & CEO, Tawi Fresh Kenya Limited Kenya
• Nikola Trendov Senior Digital Agriculture and Innovation Specialist, OIN

IM17 14:00 - Presentations of agrifood investment plans by Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Rwanda: tea, coffee, Irish potato, pig and poultry, avocado, and chili for domestic and export markets. Uganda: dairy, animal feeds, maize processing, and hides, skins, and leather. Zambia: livestock, soybeans, and honey. Zimbabwe: irrigation-led production and agro-processing for food security and exports.

14:00 - 16:00 Startup Innovation Awards (SIA) Finals: Accelerating innovation, scaling impact

Eight youth-led startup finalists will pitch their innovative solutions to a live audience and distinguished judging panel. Following deliberations, winners will be announced across four categories, as well as an additional award for AI and the overall 2026 SIA winner. 

ST03 17.00 - 18.30 – Growing the Future: Botanic Gardens as Agrifood Allies

Botanic gardens can become vital allies in building resilient agrifood systems. By joining forces with genebanks, researchers, breeders and farmers, they can deliver solutions for more diversified farming and diets, while advancing global biodiversity goals such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Plant Treaty. Experts from FAO, Kew Gardens, the New York Botanical Garden and elsewhere will identify practical ways to connect plant conservation with agrifood action.

• Dr. QU Dongyu FAO Director-General
• Godfrey Magwenzi Deputy Director-General FAO
• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• H.R.H. Princess Basma bint Ali Princess and FAO Goodwill Ambassador Kingdom of Jordan
• Ms Ma. Shiela Anunciado Program Manager for Food Security and Nutrition and Food Systems Asia International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Philippines
• Dr Carly Cowell Secretary General, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Richmond, United Kingdom
• Dr Colin Khoury Global Conservation Lead Global Crop Diversity Trust Project Manager Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants New York Botanical Garden New York, United States of America
• Ms Charlotte Lusty Head of Seed Collections Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, United Kingdom
• Dr Sognigbé N'Danikou Scientist Traditional Vegetables Conservation and Utilization World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) Cotonou, Benin
• Mr Andrew T. Mushita Executive Director Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO), Harare, Zimbabwe
• Prof. Ryutaro Tao Vice President Dean of the Faculty and Graduate School of Agriculture Kyoto University, Japan

Side event 14:00 Young Women Transforming Food Systems: Evidence, Innovation and Partnerships 

Young women are key to transforming agrifood systems, yet they continue to face significant barriers. This interactive session presents new evidence from the CGIAR GENDER Accelerator flagship report and FFF GESI lessons, showcasing innovative, youth-led and gender-transformative solutions. Bringing together researchers, young women leaders, policymakers and investors, it will explore partnerships and investments needed to build equitable, resilient and sustainable food systems by 2050.

• Jessica Heckert Senior Research Fellow in the Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion Unit, International Food Policy Research Institute
• Gaudiose Mujawamariya Africa Rice / CGIAR GENDER Accelerator Gender Focal Point/ Youth Thrive Lead 
• Kenedy Lyatuu Farmer and Founder of AfroHarvest Ventures, Youth Board member, ProVeg International  
• Lucia Gerbaldo Gender and Social Inclusion Expert at FAO Forest and Farm Facility 
• Elisabetta Gotorr Director, Land Resource Economics Unit, and Program Leader, Performance, Innovation and Strategic Analysis for Impact, Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT 
• Sumeiya Juma Co-founder and CEO of DroughtSmart 

Side event 16:00 Turning National Agrifood Systems Investment Plans Into Action

This event showcases scalable innovations in policy design and implementation that foster alignment across programmes in support of National Agrifood Systems Investment Plans under CAADP's Kampala Declaration. Drawing on FAO's Facilitator's Handbook, policymakers and practitioners will share a systems approach that aligns policy objectives with private sector needs and boosts investment to generate jobs for youths in agrifood systems.

• Corinna Hawkes Director, Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF), FAO 
• Chantal Ingabire Director General for Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda
• Siobhan Kelly Agribusiness Officer, Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, FAO
• H.E. Elizabeth McCullough Ambassador (Permanent Representative) of Ireland to the Rome Based Agencies (RBAs)
• Bernard Mumba Chief Agriculture Economist, Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia
• Harry O'Crowley Head of International Development, UN and SDGs Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Ireland
• Estherine Lisinge Fotobang Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, Agriculture and Rural Transformation, AUDA-NEPAD
• Francisco Meza Director of Strategies for Behavior Change, Ministry of Health, Mexico
• Oscar Chita
• Director, Project Management and Monitoring, Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia

Thursday, 15 October — Main Science & Innovation programme

ST04 9:00 am – Drowning in data, starving for evidence-informed decisions: what futures for scientific evidence synthesis?

Scientific evidence for agrifood and food security progress is continually generated, but synthesis remains lacking across topics, formats and timescales. Unlike climate and biodiversity, agrifood lacks responsive synthesis platforms. This interactive session led by experts from research institutions, international bodies and national systems asks why that gap persists and how priorities shape evidence use, confronting bias in whose knowledge counts and what artificial intelligence could offer.

• Dr QU Dongyu Director-General, FAO
• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• Mr Ammad Bahalim Senior Program Officer Global Policy and Multilateral Engagement Agricultural Development Gates Foundation Seattle, United States of America
• Dr Tanja Kuchenmüller Unit Head, Evidence to Policy and Impact Research for Health Department Science Division World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva, Switzerland
• Ms Arianna Legovini Director, Development Impact Development Economics World Bank Group Washington, D.C. United States of America
• Dr Preet Lidder Technical Advisor Office of the Chief Scientist, FAO 
• Dr Racine Ly Director of Data Intelligence & Governance and National Representative,  AKADEMIYA2063 Senegal
• Dr Biljana Macura Senior Research Fellow Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Stockholm, Sweden
• Dr Jan C. Minx Head Evidence for Climate Solutions Working Group Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Berlin, Germany
• Dr Aditi Mukherji Principal Scientist – Climate Action Lead, Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub
• International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr Arnald Puy Associate Professor in Social and Environmental Uncertainties School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Dr Andy Robinson Chief Publishing and Product Officer, and Managing Director Publishing CABI, Wallingford
• Ms Birte Snilstveit Director – Synthesis and Reviews Head of London Office International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) London, United Kingdom
• Dr Karla Soares-Weiser Chief Executive Officer Cochrane London, United Kingdom
  

ST05 9:00 – Resilience to disasters and the next zoonotic pandemic: What can a One Health approach deliver?

One Health links pandemic risk and agrifood resilience, extending beyond zoonotic spillover to crop, forest, fish and soil health. This session examines where risk concentrates, how livestock and land use reshape spillover, and treats antimicrobial, herbicide and pesticide resistance as expressions of the same evolutionary dynamics that cannot be solved in silos. It asks: Has One Health changed outcomes or just coordination, and who bears costs versus benefits? Farmers, funders, scientists, policymakers and equity advocates explore these tensions and discuss practical commitments.

• Godfrey Magwenzi Deputy Director-General, FAO 
• Thanawat Tiensin Assistant Director-General, FAO 
• Mona Chaya Special Adviser Chief Scientist Office, FAO
• Dr Helen Coskeran Senior Project Manager, One Health Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
• Dr Artemiy Dimov Postdoctoral Scientific Collaborator I, Human and Animal Health Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) Allschwil, Switzerland
• Bruce Gordon Director a.i. Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration World Health Organization (WHO)
• H.E. Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Dr Delia Grace Randolph Professor of Food Safety Systems, Natural Resources Institute University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
• Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran Director General World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Paris, France
• Prof. Xiao-Nong Zhou Professor School of Global Health Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Chief Scientist, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China

ST06 11:00 – Broken by design? Rewiring investment & partnership models for research and innovation

This session asks whether agrifood research funding models are fit for purpose. It examines why fragile, conflict-affected states remain underinvested, why short-term funding favors low-risk work over sustained research, and whether large grants and merged institutions help or hurt quality. It explores power in research agenda-setting and how farmers and Global South institutions can shape questions. Speakers from research and funding organizations will propose funding reforms.

• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• H.E. Martin Selmayr Ambassador, Permanent Representative to FAO Delegation of the European Union, Rome
• Dr Angie Burnett Programme Director Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) London, United Kingdom
• Ms Allison Greenberg Director Reimagining Humanitarian Nutrition Security The Rockefeller Foundation New York, United States of America
• Ms Joanna Kane-Potaka Executive Secretary Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research (GFAiR) Rome, Italy
• Dr Timothy J. Krupnik Director CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Dr David Laborde Director, Agrifood Economics and Policy (ESA) FAO
• Ms Rachel Lambert Head of Food & Agriculture Research and Evidence Team Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) London United Kingdom
• Ms Arianna Legovini  Director Development Impact (DIME) Development Economics World Bank Group Washington, D.C., United States of America
• Dr Preet Lidder Technical Advisor, Office of the FAO Chief Scientist 
• Mr James Morrison Director, Healthy Planet DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Mr Martien van Nieuwkoop Director Agricultural Development Gates Foundation Washington, United States of America
• Mr Richard Kwaku Ofori-Mante Director, Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department
• African Development Bank Group Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
• Dr Selvaraju Ramasamy Senior Agricultural Officer Office of Innovation, FAO 
• Dr. Yuri Soares Chief Impact Officer IDB Lab Inter-American Development Bank Group Washington, D.C., United States of America

  

ST07 11:00 – Women Farmers in the Digital Age: From Access to Agency

Marking the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this session asks whether digital agriculture's gains truly reach women farmers, or stall at a gender-digital-rural triple divide. It examines whose knowledge shapes digital tools, men's roles in sharing gains, and why pilots struggle to scale equitably. Built around an exchange between advocates and critics of digital agriculture, it works toward commitments on financing, data consent and design supporting women's empowerment.

• Beth Bechdol Deputy Director-General, FAO 
• Adriano Campolina Deputy Director ad interim Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Divisions FAO
• Mona Chaya Special Adviser, Office of the Chief Scientist 
• Dr Nicoline de Haan Director CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator CGIAR System  Organization Nairobi, Kenya 
• Mr Kevin Hernández Digital Inclusion Expert Universal Postal Union
• Ms Isnawati Hidayah  Senior Researcher  Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS)  Member, World Food Forum Young Scientists Group Jakarta , Indonesia Founder of ROTASI Institute
• Ms Sonal Jaitly Associate Partner Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Practice MicroSave Consulting (MSC) New Delhi, India
• Dr Els Lecoutere Senior Scientist CGIAR Accelerator for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Montpellier, France 
• Dr Erin McGuire Executive Director International Agricultural Development Program University of California, Davis Director and Founder Responsible Innovations California, United States of America
• Maryam Rahmanian Expert in science and innovation in agrifood systems Office of Chief Scientist, FAO
• Ms Maggie Refaat Gender Specialist FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Cairo, Egypt
• Ms Jona Repishti Director of Strategy and Data Insights Digital Green Washington D.C., United States of America
• Dr Claudia Ringler Director Agrifood Innovation and Resilience Unit International Food Policy  Research Institute (IFPRI) Washington, D.C., United States of America
• Dr Shobha Shetty Head Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) Senior Adviser, Agriculture World Bank Group Washington, D.C., United States of America

ST08 14:00 – How can entrepreneurship accelerate food security progress?

This session asks whether startup-style entrepreneurship fits food insecurity in lower-income countries, where margins are thin and market failures are common. It examines evidence beyond output measures, whether small and medium enterprises deserve more attention than startups, and whether large companies acquiring startups should be central partners. Entrepreneurs, investors, large companies, governments, finance institutions and researchers will debate alternative models and recommendations.

• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• Dr Maximo Torero Chief Economist, FAO
• Cristina Alderighi Water Management Specialist, NSLD, FAO
• Dr Debisi Araba Managing Director AKADEMIYA2063 Kigali, Rwanda
• Ms Fiorella Arias Bonilla Biotechnology engineer & bioeconomy innovator Costa Rica
• Dr Segenet Kelemu Executive Director, Pan-African Programs (PANA Programs) Mastercard Foundation Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr Bernhard van Lengerich Founder and President Seeding The Future Foundation Chicago, United States of America
• Dr Michal Levy Chief Scientist and Senior Deputy Director-General Agricultural Innovation Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Israel
• Ms Celeste Macilwaine Youth Innovation Specialist Office of Youth and Women (OYW) FAO
• Vincent Martin Director, Office of Innovation, FAO 
• Mr Godfrey Noel Strategy Lead Kilimora CLG Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr Babafemi Oyewole Chief Executive Officer Pan-African Farmers' Organization (PAFO) Kigali, Rwanda
• Prof. Osama A. Rayis Director for Agripreneurship Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) Cairo, Egypt
• Mr Richard Zaltzman Chief Executive Officer  EIT Food Leuven, Belgium

 

ST09 14:00 – Science & Innovation for water-efficient agrifood systems

Agrifood systems depend on a finite, poorly monitored water base destabilized by climate change. This session weighs evidence on water-food trade-offs, why efficiency gains like drip irrigation may not yield basin-level savings (a Jevons paradox rebound), and evaluates technologies like desalination against hype. It examines financing tools like water pricing, and tests directing artificial intelligence investment toward smallholder irrigation. Leading experts from different sectors and regions will map key water-policy evidence gaps.

• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• Dr George Akoko
• Dr Vera Agostini Deputy Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, FAO
• Dr Leunell Chris M. Buela Assistant Professor, Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Scientific Committee Chair, UNESCO Groundwater Youth Network
• Ms Yara da Silva Freitas General Coordinator, Cisterns Programme Ministry of Social Development, Family and Fight Against Hunger, Brazil
• Dr Mohsin Hafeez Director Water, Food and Ecosystems International Water – IWMI
• Mr Jippe Hoogeveen Senior Land and Water Officer / Chief Technical Advisor, FAO
• Dr Lifeng Li Director, Land and Water Division (NSL), FAO
• Ms Euphresia Luseka Co-Thematic Lead Leave No One Behind Theme Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN)
• Hon. Roza Fachi Mbilizi Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Malawi
• Dr Vinay Nangia Research Team Leader Soils, Waters and Agronomy International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
• Dr Livia Peiser Senior Land and Water Officer, FAO
• Prof. Hanqin Tian Director and Institute Professor Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, Boston College
• Dr Robina Wahaj Senior Land and Water Officer Land and Water Division (NSL), FAO

 

ST10 16:00 – Tipping points, cascading risks, and limits to adaptation for agrifood systems and food security

Climate tipping points are widely discussed, but the science of where limits lie and whether they are reversible remains uncertain, and some may already be crossed. This session examines agrifood systems as both exposed to and drivers of tipping points, asking what happens once adaptation fails, shifting to loss-and-damage finance, insurance and managed retreat. Experts from climate science, agrifood systems and governance will diagnose likely failures and possible transformations.

• Prof. Charles Spillane Chief Scientist, FAO 
• Dr Manuel Barange Director Fisheries & Aquaculture Division (NFI) FAO
• Dr Rachel Bezner Kerr Professor of Global Development Cornell University New York, USA
• Dr Racine Ly Director of Data Intelligence and Governance AKADEMIYA2063 Dakar, Senegal 
• Ms Greet Maenhout Deputy Director Directorate D – Sustainable Resources Joint Research Centre
• European Commission  Ispra, Italy
• Dr Piedad Martin Deputy Director, Office of Climate Change Biodiversity and Environment (OCB),  FAO 
• H.E. Mr Roberto Albino Mito Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Mozambique
• Dr Aditi Mukherji Principal Scientist – Climate Action Lead, Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr Camilla Novaglio Working Group Leader on Future , Oceans and Fisheries, Leibniz Centre for Trop
• Ms Yumara Antonieta Soria Peralta Regional Coordinator Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) Central American Integration System (SICA) San José, Costa Rica
• Dr Patrícia Pinho Deputy Science Director Amazon Environmental Research  Institute (IPAM Amazônia) Brasília, Brazil
• Dr Hanqin Tian Director and Institute Professor, Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3) Boston College; Global Carbon Project, USA
• Dr Michelle Tigchelaar Senior Scientist; Climate & Environmental Sustainability Lead, WorldFish
• Malaysia
• Dr Edmond Totin Research Scientist National Institute of Agricultural  Research of Benin (INRAB)
• Cotonou, Benin
  

 

 

16.00 - 17.30 Joint Thematic Session Hand in Hand Initiative Investment Forum and Science & Innovation Forum: Artificial Intelligence: Bridging the investment gap for agrifood systems transformation

Discover how artificial intelligence can revolutionize agrifood investment! Artificial intelligence converts vast amounts of data into actionable intelligence, bridging the gap between country priorities and financing. Learn how to identify high-impact, inclusive investments that benefit smallholders, women and youth. Join governments, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks and private investors.

 

ST11 17:30 – Science with ambition: accelerating early career impact on food security

This session tackles a key bottleneck: helping early-career researchers translate science into food security impact. Structured as short mentoring conversations between emerging and senior scientists, it moves a cohort through five dimensions: ambition, collaboration, policy engagement, communication and purposeful careers. Drawing on researchers from nutrition, agroecology, digital innovation, fisheries and water management, it builds shared actions to accelerate impact.

• Mona Chaya Special Adviser, Chief Scientist Office, FAO
• Prof. Carlo D’Ippoliti Full Professor of Political Economy, Department of Statistical Sciences
• Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
• Prof. Delia Grace Randolph Professor of Food Safety Systems Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
• Prof. Ryutaro Tao Vice President, Kyoto University, Japan
• Prof. Hanqin Tian Director and Institute Professor Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, Boston College

ST13 12:45 – From Forecast to Action: Leveraging Science and Innovation to Reduce Climate Risks for Agriculture and Food Security

Climate extremes increasingly disrupt agriculture and food security. Advances in forecasting, Earth observation and artificial intelligence offer warnings months ahead, shifting response from reactive to proactive. The challenge is ensuring science informs timely decisions by governments and farmers. Organized by FAO's Office of the Chief Scientist and Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, this event showcases innovative approaches and fosters dialogue on food security.

• Dr. QU Dongyu Director-General, FAO
• Prof. Charles Spillane FAO Chief Scientist
• Nancy Aburto Deputy Director Nutrition Division, FAO
• Zhenlin Chen Administrator of China Meteorological Administration
• Pr Hui Ju Climate Change Lab Institute of Environment and sustainable Development in Agriculture
• Philippe Mauguin Chair & CEO National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE)
• Yonglan Qian National Meteorological Centre China Meteorological Administration
• Pr. Susan Pan Research Director of the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability and the Global Carbon Project Boston Office
• H.E Ambassador Tanguy Stehelin French Permanent mission to the UN in Rome
• Pr. Sun Tan Vice President, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)
• H.E Ambassador Lubiao Zhang Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture

Side event 17:45 Partnerships and knowledge for agrifood transformation in Latin America

The event will showcase FAO Campus’s vision, partnerships, and capacity development results in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it will also highlight FAO elearning Academy´s work in the region, and results achieved under the Four Betters Courses Initiative. Presentations will include joint experiences with partners from academia, projects with government offices, and trainings on FPIC, under the vision of promoting focused public policies and enabling environments for investments.

• Cristhel Rachell Cáceres Youth Representative of the Regional Youth Food Lab Latin America, Independent
• Karina Crespo FAO Campus Coordinator, FAO
• Rene Orellana Halkyer FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC)
• Cristina Petracchi FAO elearning Academy Leader
• Lauren Michelle Phillips FAO Director of Partnerships and UN Collaboration
• Pablo Rabczuk Senior Programme Officer and Chief of Staff of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
• Francis Denisse Mclean Rodriguez Associate Professor, Zamorano University, Honduras

Friday, 16 October

9:00 Strengthening the Evidence Base for Agricultural Science, Research and Innovation: How ASTI Supports Agrifood Systems Transformation

The Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI initiative and its recent global data release, will present current trends in agricultural R&D capacity and investment, and consider emerging approaches, including geospatial data, imputation methods, open data practice and AI-assisted analysis, that could shape the next generation of agrifood science and technology indicators.

• Prof. Charles Spillane FAO Chief Scientist
• Dr. Debisi Araba Managing Director AKADEMIYA2063 Kigali, Rwanda
• Dr Allison Greenberg Director Reimagining Humanitarian Nutrition Security The Rockefeller Foundation New York, United States of America
• Dr Preet Lidder Technical Advisor, Office of the FAO Chief Scientist
• Dr. José Rosero Moncayo FAO Chief Statistician Director of the Statistics Division (ESS)
• Dr. Hernán D. Muñoz FAO–ASTI Project Leader
• Dr Ivan Štefanić European Innovation Council Ambassador (food chain technologies, and novel and sustainable food)
• Dr. Gert-Jan Stads Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (CGIAR) 

COP31: Putting agriculture and food systems at the centre of climate action

9–20 November 2026. Antalya, Türkiye. The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will bring together governments, international organisations, researchers, farmers' organisations, civil society and the private sector to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement. 

Agriculture and food systems feature prominently in the official UNFCCC side-event programme, with discussions addressing agroecology, climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural finance, biodiversity, food security and the transition towards healthier and more sustainable diets.

A central theme emerging from the programmed side events is the need to move from climate commitments to practical implementation, ensuring that farmers, research institutions and local communities can access the finance, technologies, knowledge and partnerships required to transform agrifood systems. The programme also highlights the importance of addressing trade-offs between mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation and affordable nutrition.

The COP31 side-event programme demonstrates the growing recognition that agricultural transformation requires more than climate-smart technologies alone. It calls for stronger connections between scientific research, farmers' knowledge, public policies, market incentives and financing mechanisms. Agroecology, agricultural biodiversity, circular bioeconomies and sustainable food value chains are increasingly being discussed as interconnected components of climate action rather than separate policy agendas.

The following selection highlights scheduled side events particularly relevant to agricultural research and innovation.

9 November – Water for Climate Resilience: From the 2026 SCF Forum to COP31 and the 2026 UN Water Conference

Organised with the participation of IFAD, ICIMOD, Nepal and Bhutan, this event will examine climate-resilient water management, financing and institutional cooperation, including implications for resilient food systems. Announced speakers include Álvaro Lario (President, IFAD), Rania Al-Mashat (ESCWA), Hani Sewilam (Egypt), Sonja Köppel (UNECE) and Anil Mishra (UNESCO).

10 November – Advancing Agroecology in Just Transition for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture

Organised by Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific and partners, this session will present agroecology as a pathway towards a just transition in agriculture. Speakers are expected from the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), African governments, farmers' organisations and youth movements.

10 November – National Agroecology Strategies: Brazil, Türkiye and Africa Towards COP31 Implementation

Organised by Instituto Regenera, Biovision and the Food of Tomorrow Institute, this session will explore how national agroecology strategies, public food procurement and government–civil society cooperation can translate climate commitments into action. Listed speakers include Francine Xavier, Fabrício Muriana, Oliver Oliveros, Ahmet Sami and Lilian Rahal (Brazilian Ministry of Social Development), alongside an African agroecology representative.

11 November – Scaling Climate Finance for Resilient Agrifood Systems Facing Extreme Heat and El Niño-related Shocks

Organised by FAO, this session will explore investment opportunities and innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen agricultural adaptation and food security. Speakers are listed from FAO, Australia, Türkiye, Kenya, Germany, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the African Centre for Biodiversity and Olam International.

11 November – Unlocking Means of Implementation for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems

This event will focus on finance, technology, capacity development, sustainable land and water management, ecosystem restoration and youth- and Indigenous-led solutions. Listed speakers include Abdulhamid Tahir Hamid (GECCI/NIPPF), Victor Fodeke (GREENPLINTH Africa), Margaret Bondziedu Impraim (YCCGA) and Sebastian Pedraza (YPARD Global).

11 November – Agri-food Systems under Climate Change: Incentives for Affordable, Healthy, Sustainable Food

This event brings together Clim-Eat, AgriCord, FANRPAN, the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) and Wageningen Research. It will examine incentives for farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices while addressing food affordability, nutrition, biodiversity and the trade-offs involved in agrifood transformation.

Announced speakers are Carlos Alvarado Quesada (former President of Costa Rica), Tshilidzi Madzivhandila (FANRPAN), Jan Verhagen (Wageningen University & Research), Ishmael Sunga (SACAU), Leanne Zeppenfeldt (Clim-Eat), Katja Vuori (AgriCord) and Orhan Solak (Türkiye Directorate of Climate Change).

14 November – The Critical Middle, Circularity and Zero Waste: Building Climate-Resilient Food Systems

Organised by UNIDO and partners, this event will launch the Critical Middle Coalition and explore investments in processing, storage, logistics and waste reduction. It draws attention to the often-overlooked enterprises and infrastructure linking agricultural production with consumers. Speakers are expected from governments, UN organisations, development finance institutions, businesses and circular-economy organisations.

16 November – Delivering the Green Transition for Food Security: From Climate Ambition to Farm-Level Action

This session will explore efficient nutrient management, low-emission rice production, agricultural policies, investment and partnerships. Listed participating organisations include the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Environmental Defense Fund, World Farmers' Organisation, AGRA, Yara, the World Bank, Agroicone and the Carbon Trust.

16 November – Unlocking the Means of Implementation for Agriculture and Food Security

Organised by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Compassion in World Farming, EIT Food, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the World Farmers' Organisation, this event will examine how finance, technology transfer and capacity development can support the implementation of climate action in agriculture. It builds on the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security (SJWA).

Announced speakers and participants include Andrea Perez Valdez (Compassion in World Farming), Richard Zaltzman (EIT Food), representatives of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and FAO, government representatives, farmers' organisations and Indigenous Peoples.

17 November – Integrated Security and Climate Change: Building Resilience Amid Geopolitical Challenges

With the participation of ICARDA, this session will examine the relationship between climate change, food systems, security and international cooperation. Listed speakers include Ban Ki-moon (former UN Secretary-General), Bakyt Dzhusupov (OSCE), Hans-Otto Pörtner (former IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair), Sabine Schlacke (University of Greifswald), Nizar Haddad (ICARDA) and Vinay Nangia (ICARDA), with Central Asian ministerial representatives to be confirmed.

18 November – Scaling the Circular Bioeconomy: Agricultural Solutions to Climate Change

This event will discuss how agriculture can contribute to circular bioeconomies through food, renewable energy, biobased materials, greenhouse gas reduction and ecosystem services. Announced speakers include Ernie Shea (Solutions from the Land), Sally Higgins (COP31 Youth Champion), Muhammad Ibrahim (IICA), Verity Ulibarri (US farmer), Tarun Richards (Australian farmer), Ed Barnes (CBS Institute), Francis Owusu (Centre for Rural Livelihoods, Uganda), Juan Sacoto (S&P Global) and Kaveh Zahedi (FAO).

CGIAR @ COP 31

CGIAR and the EvalforEarth community are preparing a strong collaborative presence for the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP31), which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026.

• EvalforEarth’s Role: EvalforEarth is a merged Community of Practice focused on climate action, food security, agriculture, and rural development. It is co-sponsored by the Evaluation Offices of CGIAR, FAO, WFP, and the GEF.
• The Shared Mission: At COP31, these organizations aim to ensure that climate policy decisions are rooted in strict, evidence-based evaluation. By bringing data from agricultural research to the forefront, they advocate for agrifood systems to be treated as primary climate solutions

FAO @ COP 31

For FAO, COP31 provides a key platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and decision-making on the critical role of agriculture and food systems in climate action. Agrifood systems solutions are climate solutions. As a central pillar of climate action, they help build resilience, support adaptation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring food security for all.

Schedule of event will soon be available

.

The 2nd India–Africa Seed Summit 2026

The 2nd India–Africa Seed Summit 2026

11–12 September 2026. The 2nd India–Africa Seed Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, India, brought together seed companies, policymakers, researchers and agricultural organisations from India and African countries to strengthen cooperation on seed trade, technology transfer, research, investment and access to quality seed. 

Building on the first India–Africa Seed Summit, the meeting highlighted India’s experience in developing affordable seed technologies and Africa’s rapidly growing demand for diverse, climate-resilient and high-performing varieties. 

Discussions focused on enabling regulatory environments, harmonisation of seed standards, public–private partnerships, capacity development and opportunities for Indian and African seed enterprises to collaborate, with the broader objective of strengthening resilient seed systems, raising agricultural productivity and contributing to food and nutrition security across Africa.

16 September — Seed innovation, partnerships and finance

Inaugural Ceremony & launch of “Seeds Without Borders” — 10:00–11:00. 

The opening brought together Surendramohan Kadaveru, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Secretary, Telangana; Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT; Dr Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General, African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA); Dr Tarun Shridhar, Director General, ICFA; Dr M.J. Khan, Executive Director, World Agriculture Forum; and Ousmane Abdou, Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture, Niger. The Seeds Without Borders report provided a framework for cooperation on trade, genetic diversity, technology, research and climate resilience. 

Session 1 — Driving Seed Sector Growth: India–Africa Collaboration Opportunities 

 The panel examined seed trade, market access, technology, investment and business partnerships between India and Africa. The wider Summit speaker roster includes prominent African and Indian seed-sector representatives such as Dr Yacouba Diallo (AfSTA), Muhammed Fatuhu (Nigeria's NASC), Evelyn Lusenaka (Center of Excellence for Seed Systems Africa), Dr Paresh Verma (FSII), Ajeet Kumar Sahu (Government of India) and Ram Kaundinya. 

Session 2 — Transforming the Seed Business through AI & Digital Technologies 

Speakers included Dr Dileepkumar Guntuku, Ajay Kumar, Sanjaykumar Vasoya, Siddharth Tata, Gubba Kiran and Dr Sanjeev Nayan. Discussion ranged from AI-assisted R&D and demand forecasting to digital variety passports, QR traceability, digital trial data, farmer advisory services and geo-mapped seed distribution. 

Session 3 — Public–Private Partnerships in Seed Research & Innovation 

Moderated by Dr Narendra Dadlani, this panel brought together representatives from Mahabeej, AGRA, ICRISAT and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), including Deelip Swami and Evelyn Lusenaka. The focus was on using PPPs to move innovations from research through commercialisation and ultimately into farmers' fields. 

Session 4 — Unlocking Finance for Seeds: Building the India–Africa Seed Trade Corridor

Moderated by Sanjay Sethi, ED & CEO of ICFA, the panel included Dr Donald Mavindidze, Elh. Adama Touré, James Marc de Sousa-Shields and Ramalakshmi Penugonda, representing perspectives from the Gates Foundation, World Bank Group, IFAD and NABARD. It explored financing mechanisms across the seed value chain and how investment could support a stronger India–Africa seed corridor.

  

Session 5 — CEOs' Panel on India & Africa Seed Trade 

Moderated by Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, FSII, the panel comprised Dr B.M. Prasanna (CIMMYT), Gaurav Katyal (ACSEN Agriscience), Sreekanth Chundi (Shriram Bioseed Genetics), Prasad Karumanchi (Prasad Seeds) and Dr Mandar Godge (GRAIN International). It concentrated on commercial opportunities, market access, technology and the practical constraints affecting India–Africa seed trade. LinkedIn

17 September — regulation, resilience and South–South research cooperation

Session 6 — Policy and Regulation in Seed Trade: Fostering India–Africa Collaboration 

This addressed one of the major constraints to cross-border seed movement: differences in national variety registration, phytosanitary requirements, intellectual-property frameworks and seed regulations. The official agenda confirms the session, although the indexed programme does not provide its complete speaker list. Seed Summit

Session 7 — Harmonizing Seed Standards and Certifications for International Trade 

Moderated by Dr Keshavulu Kunusoth, the session included Nyasebwa Chimagu, Jobson Momo, Dr Maman Songai and R.P. Naidu, alongside other specialists. Certification and industry authorities from Tanzania, Liberia, Togo, Benin and India compared approaches to seed testing, standards and certification, with the objective of reducing barriers to international seed movement.

  

Session 8 Climate-Resilient Seed Development: Sharing Best Practices Between India & Africa 

 This was a dedicated GIZ-organised session on how breeding and seed systems can respond to climate stresses, and how India and Africa can exchange germplasm, technologies and practical experience in developing resilient varieties. 

Session 9 Seeds Without Borders and South–South Cooperation: Bridging Geographical Boundaries for Food Security and Climate Resilience 

The final online programme was jointly organised by ICRISAT and CIMMYT. Ambassador Rajasekhar Chinthapally moderated, with speakers including Dr Manzoor Hussain Dar, Dr Iyad Takrouri and Manish Tyagi, among others. The discussion connected seed exchange with South–South cooperation in research, technology, trade and climate resilience.

  

Sesssion 10: Role of Research & Development in Advancing Seed Technology

Moderated by Dr Jayaprakash T. of Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), the panel brought together Dr Demba B. Jallow, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), The Gambia; Dr J. Jawaharlal, ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research; Kossi Djifa Hounkanli, Ministry of Agriculture, Togo; and an ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research representative. Sources differ on the latter's name: the Summit account lists Dr B. Venkatesh Bhat, while the moderator's own account identifies Dr Avinash Singode. 

The session addressed a question highly relevant to GFAiR and the Global NARS Consortium (GNC): how genetic gains generated by agricultural research can actually reach farmers, and where India–Africa research partnerships can accelerate that pathway.

The technical programme concluded with the Valedictory Session and Seed Business Awards

18 September 

field visits to agricultural farms, research institutions, seed-company R&D facilities and seed-processing units.

Day 1

Day 2

African Union Inaugural Africa Seed Summit

5–7 October 2026. Eswatini. The African Union Inaugural Africa Seed Summit is taking place under the theme “Resilient Seed Systems for a Food Secure Africa.” 

Africa’s research organisations have developed large numbers of improved and locally adapted crop varieties, yet many farmers still struggle to obtain affordable, timely and appropriate quality seed. At the same time, climate change, biodiversity loss and changing food and nutrition needs are increasing interest in a much broader diversity of crops, including indigenous, neglected and underutilised species, alongside Africa’s major staples.

From continental policy to farmers’ fields

A central theme of the Summit is therefore the gap between seed policy, research and delivery. Discussions examine how African Union and regional seed frameworks can translate into functioning national regulatory systems, stronger seed enterprises and better access for farmers.

The programme addresses the implementation of seed policy and regulatory instruments, increased public and private investment, alignment of seed-sector development with the Kampala CAADP agenda, more inclusive seed systems and the role of innovation and technology in accelerating agricultural transformation.

Importantly, the Summit does not consider the commercial seed sector in isolation. A strong strand of the discussions concerns farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) and how they can complement formal seed systems while protecting crop diversity, farmers’ knowledge and locally adapted varieties.

Days 1 and 2 combine the official sessions with technical sessions, side events and exhibitions, while 7 October is primarily the Heads of State Summit. 

• Message of H.E. Mosses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

Towards a more pluralistic African seed system

The significance of the inaugural Africa Seed Summit ultimately extends beyond seed production. Seeds sit at the intersection of agricultural research, biodiversity, climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, farmers’ rights and food sovereignty.

Africa therefore needs a pluralistic seed system in which commercial seed companies, public breeding programmes, genebanks and farmer-managed seed systems can complement one another. Improved varieties need pathways to reach millions of farmers, while the enormous diversity maintained by farming communities must remain available for future breeding, adaptation and food-system transformation.

5 October — 14:00–15:00 | Mobilizing Investment for Inclusive and Resilient Seed Delivery in Africa

Organised/hosted by CIMMYT. The discussion examines how investment and partnerships can close the gap between the large number of improved varieties being developed and farmers' actual access to quality seed. 

Africa's seed sector has made real progress on reform, yet millions of farmers still cannot reliably get improved varieties and quality planting material. High costs, limited availability, weak distribution networks, scarce finance and too little information keep good seed out of reach. Shaping the sector's future calls for decisive action on two fronts:

1. Investment: more strategic public and private investment in inclusive seed systems that reach underserved farming communities, using private-sector participation and digital innovation to deliver at scale.
2. Policy: enabling policies and harmonized regulatory frameworks that speed up the movement of improved varieties from research to farmers' fields. Better seed only changes lives once it actually reaches the farmer. 

5 October — 15:00–16:00 | Strengthening seed systems and improving smallholder access to quality seed

Convened by AATF. The session focuses on enabling policies, last-mile seed distribution, digital
platforms, women- and youth-led seed enterprises, finance, information and markets, drawing particularly on experiences from Kenya and Zimbabwe. 

Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), IITA, ASARECA, SACAU, African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), Eswatini Seed Association, Uganda Seed Trade Association, Seed Trade Association of Kenya, Zimbabwe Seed Association, Zambia Seed Company, CIMMYT, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, AfricaRice, CIP, FANRPAN, COMESA, SADC, East African Community and the African Union. The announcement also identifies Sylvia Horemans and Dr Nizam Kuxdorf-Alkirata

5 October — 16:00–17:00 | Turning Policy into Practice: Strengthening Inclusive Seed Systems in Africa

Co-hosted by SeedNL and Nigeria's National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), with participation from the World Vegetable Center, Oxfam Novib and Seeds for Food Coalition. LinkedIn

• Falaq Tidjani — SeedNL
• Gigi Manicad — Seeds for Food Coalition
• Sognigbe N'Danikou — World Vegetable Center
• Maya Piotrowska — Oxfam Novib

The discussion covers policy harmonisation, movement of genetic resources for conservation and use, public-private cooperation, farmer-managed seed systems and equitable partnerships. 

6 October — 14:00–15:00 | What it takes for continental seed instruments to work in national regulatory practice

Organised by FANRPAN together with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kingdom of Eswatini and CANGO. FANRPAN

• Eswatini National Seed Committee
• Ministry of Agriculture, Eswatini
• rural women farmers
• farmers' union
• FANRPAN
• CANGO

A Relaunch of the National Seed Committee: The Revival of a CANGO/MoA/FANRPAN Partnership Is a Significant Moment.

On 10 August 2026, Eswatini took a major step forward for its agriculture sector: the inaugural meeting of the relaunched National Seed Committee, held in Ezulwini and convened by CANGO and the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from and the FANRPAN Regional Secretariat under the CS PILLAR Project. After several years of inactivity, the Committee is back restoring a national platform for policy guidance, coordination, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation across the seed sector.

6 October — 15:00–17:00 CET. Advancing Farmer-Managed Seed Systems in Africa: Strengthening Governance, Accelerating Policy Domestication, and Mobilizing Investments for Implementation

The principal convenor is the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), working with the African Union Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) Continental Secretariat, Biovision Africa Trust, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) and SWISSAID, in collaboration with the African Union.

This is primarily an implementation and investment meeting, rather than another discussion about whether farmer-managed seed systems should be recognised. Its starting point is the African Union's emerging policy framework for FMSS and the need to translate continental commitments into practical action at regional and national levels. LinkedIn

The meeting is intended to produce progress in four interconnected areas:

1. Governance and coordination — establish or strengthen a governance structure for implementation of the AU FMSS agenda and clarify the respective roles of continental, regional and national actors.

2. Policy domestication — translate the AU FMSS framework into Regional Agricultural Investment Plans (RAIPs) and National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs), as well as relevant national seed policies and regulations.

3. A 12-month action plan — agree concrete activities, responsibilities and next steps rather than leaving the strategy at the level of continental policy.

4. Financing and resource mobilisation — identify financing mechanisms, partnerships and investment opportunities capable of supporting implementation.

 

6 October — 14:00 | How to Implement the African Union's Strategy Framework on Farmer-Managed Seed Systems?

Convened by the International Community of Practice for Farmer-Managed Seed Systems. The session draws on practical experience concerning:

• participatory breeding and breeding for farmers' needs;
• climate resilience and crop diversity;
• community seed banks;
• seed laws and regional regulations;
• policy pathways for implementing the new AU Strategy Framework on Farmer-Managed Seed Systems (FMSS).