Moving forward the UNFSS 21 Action Plan: Need for Collaborative undertakings

31 August 2022. Moving forward the UNFSS 21 Action Plan: Need for Collaborative undertakings

RUFORUM Network organised a half day dialogue /webinar to review and develop a roadmap towards actioning university and research institutions contribution towards strengthening Africa’s Food Systems.

The dialogue brought together Universities, Research Institutions, the FAO and the African Union Commission.

Session 1: 

• Opening Remarks: Prof. Adipala Ekwamu, Executive Secretary, RUFORUM
• Official opening by AUC Commissioner for Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture and the Blue Economy- Ambassador Josefa Sacko 

Integrating continental frameworks to strengthen agri-food systems in Africa 

• Keynote Address: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) – Key outcomes, decisions and actions from UNFSS 2021 – Implication for Africa 
• Perspective from a Development Partner: Mr Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit in Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission

Session 2: Status of Agri-food Systems in Africa 

• Lead Paper: FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, HE. Prof. Abebe Haile-Gabriel– Current Status of Food and Nutrition Security in Africa 

Panel Discussion: 

1. Hon. Lobin Clarkie Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, Malawi
2. Hon. Jeanine M. Cooper, Minister of Agriculture, Liberia
3. Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
4. Dr. Stephen Muchiri, President East African Farmers Federation
5. Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson and Acting Managing Director, Akademiya2063

Wrap Up of Key Messages: 

• Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara, Research Chair in Postharvest Technology ,Stellenbosch University, South Africa

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) Concept Notes

          The  pre- AGM events

1. Moving forward the UNFSS 21 Action Plan: Need for Collaborative undertakings. 31st Aug 2022 || English  || French || Portuguese || Arabic
2. Transforming Higher Education in Africa: moving from Dialogue to Action. 05th Sept 2022 || English || French || Portuguese
3. Strengthening human capital development in Africa: where are we and what are the needed actions? 05th Oct 2022 English || French || Portuguese
4. Strengthening Agri-Food Systems Research Capacity in Africa: Overcoming Bottlenecks to Current and Future Challenges.12th Oct 2022 || English || French || Portuguese
5. Exploring Future Frontiers for Global Collaboration and Partnership in the Field of Higher Education and Research in Africa. 26th Oct 2022 || English || French || Portuguese
6. The 20th Principals and Deans Committee Business Meeting,  17th Nov 2022 ||.English || French || Portuguese

         The main events 

1. Building a movement of change-makers in Africa: Every Dot Counts. 11th Dec 2022 || English  || French || Portuguese 
2. Interactive Session for Carnegie Corporation of New York funded Fellows and Graduate students. 12th Dec 2022 || English || French || Portuguese
3. Creating Convergence of Investment in Higher Education in Africa for Greater Impact. 14th Dec 2022 || English || French || Portuguese