Press and News CGIAR Science Week: A bold step forward in science collaboration for food security
NAIROBI, KENYA – Over 10,000 delegates, including farmers, science experts, policymakers, partners, and funders, are convening in person and online at Science Week, with the participation of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. We share a common goal to strengthen global food security and smallholder livelihoods via groundbreaking science and innovation that boosts agricultural productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Science Week opened on April 7th by Special Guest H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, at an Opening Ceremony packed by global dignitaries and decision makers, science experts, funders, and farming community members.
“It is an immense honor to host this event bringing together the brightest minds in agricultural science and development. Science Week presents unique opportunities in sharing knowledge to advance and develop the role that agriculture plays in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Opening Speaker H.E Zainab Hawa, UN Nairobi Office Director General.
CGIAR Science Week, co-hosted by the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), brings together leading voices in agricultural science to explore how partnerships can be forged in more effective ways to harness and scale pioneering science and innovation that can deliver food and nutritional security and strengthened livelihoods for all.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, providing over 60% of employment in Kenya. Yet the sector faces a perfect storm of challenges in climate change, loss of biodiversity, and rapid population growth. The only way forward lies in science-driven solutions generated through robust partnerships among stakeholders,” said Special Guest H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya.
Held at the United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) complex, over 10,000 delegates gather in person for a week of events, workshops, exhibitions, and field trips, while another 2,000 will join online. Science Week builds on CGIAR's 50-year legacy of driving impact through partnerships that develop and scale innovations to tackle the most pressing agricultural challenges facing our planet's food, land, and water systems.
“This week marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards transforming global agriculture and food systems. CGIAR is unwavering in our commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that research, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to overcoming the complex challenges facing agri-food systems today,” said Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR.
