Global food security summit

20 November 2023. London. Global food security summit

The Global Food Security Summit focused international attention on the deepening global food security crisis and help boost efforts to achieve Zero Hunger and end malnutrition (SDG 2). It galvanised support for lasting solutions that turn the tide and prevent famine, wider food insecurity and malnutrition. Seeking to shift the dial on progress across four action pillars, it will shine a particular spotlight on UK-funded cutting-edge science and innovation. The Summit will showcase practical action achieving real, lasting improvements in people’s lives, delivered by UK expertise, partnerships and science.

Extract of the agenda

Plenary: Opening Session

• The Rt. Hon Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development, United Kingdom – Welcome remarks
• The Rt. Hon Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, United Kingdom
• HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
• HE Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE
• Sir Chris Hohn, Chair of Board, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
• Bill Gates, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (pre-recorded video)

Session 2: Harnessing science and technology for food security

This session showcased collaborative science and research partnerships in action,
accelerating progress towards greater food security and nutrition, including cutting edge
British science and leadership. It galvanised further joined-up action to tackle some of the
thorniest problems facing the world today, including harnessing emerging technologies
including digital and AI, and finding scalable solutions that support nutrition, productivity,
climate resilience and protect nature. 

Setting the scene: Science and Technology for Food Security

• Dr Qu Dongyu, Director General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
• Nations
• Dr Beth Dunford, Vice President, African Development Bank
• HE David Ernest Silinde, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Tanzania
• HE Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia

Role of National Research and Innovation Systems and Partnerships 

• Esther Penunia, Secretary General, Asian Farmers’ Association
• Dr Juergen Voegele, Vice President, World Bank
• Dr Rob Bertram, Chief Scientific Adviser, USAID
• Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, CEO, UK Research and Innovation

Lead discussants

• Prof Bhavani Shankar, Professorial Research Fellow in Food and Health, University of Sheffield
• Dharshan Wignarajah, Director, Climate Policy Initiative

Harnessing Science and Technology for Food and Nutrition Security 

• Dr Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA
• Prof Lindiwe Sibanda, Board Chair, CGIAR
• Rodger Voorhies, President of Global Growth, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Lead discussants

• Dr Daniel Elger, CEO, CABI
• Dr Appolinaire Djikeng, Principal of the Centre for Tropical Livestock and Genetic Health and Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute
• Dr Jon Styles, Director, Assimila
• The Rt. Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister for Indo-Pacific, United Kingdom