CGIAR Science Week ends with commitment to good food systems

By Wanderi Kamau

NAIROBI, Kenya – April 11: CGIAR’s inaugural Science Week came to a powerful conclusion after a week of innovation, scientific discovery, and renewed global partnerships aimed at transforming food systems for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

The event, held in Nairobi and co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), brought together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners in a week-long forum that highlighted the critical role of science in driving agricultural and environmental change.

Led by Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, and Eliud Kireger, Director General of KALRO, the closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of the week and emphasized the ongoing journey toward building more resilient and equitable agri-food systems.

“Over the past few days, we’ve explored transformative research, built new collaborations, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems,” Elouafi said. “The dialogues and partnerships formed here will continue to shape and advance our global mission.”

Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR (centre), Eliud Kireger, Director General of KALRO (right) and Eliud Rugut, BKMC-Agriculture Champion, addressing journalists during the closing ceremony. Photo/Newsflash

Throughout the event, the spotlight was firmly placed on the power of partnerships and shared innovation. From showcasing cutting-edge technologies to forging new scientific collaborations, Science Week highlighted the power of collective effort in addressing some of the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges. Participants debated critical issues, presented breakthrough research, and discussed scalable innovations that could redefine the future of food.

“Through debate, presentations, and pioneering innovations, Science Week revealed both our accomplishments and the areas where we must do more,” noted Kireger. “The conversation doesn’t end here — it’s just the beginning.”

Major milestones and strategic announcements

Several major achievements marked the week, underscoring CGIAR’s evolving scientific and strategic direction:

Launch of the CGIAR Research Portfolio: This new initiative builds on CGIAR’s 50-year legacy to sharpen its scientific vision with clear parameters and impact targets.
Strategic Agreements: Key partnerships were formalized to expand CGIAR’s global impact:
- CIMMYT and IICA signed a collaboration agreement to advance agricultural innovation across the Americas.
- CIP and KALRO inked a licensing deal to transfer biotech solutions for late blight-resistant potatoes, reducing chemical use and empowering farmers.
- IWMI unveiled its 2024–2030 strategy, a forward-looking framework to improve water security in East Africa.
- CGIAR and AGRA formalized an MOU to accelerate agricultural transformation in Africa by scaling innovation and strengthening support systems for smallholder farmers.
Release of the CGIAR Flagship Report: Designed for decision-makers in low- and middle-income countries, the report translates CGIAR’s research into actionable solutions for smarter investments and policy interventions.

These developments mark the beginning of a more coordinated push by CGIAR and its partners to scale agricultural innovations, enhance resilience, and support smallholder farmers globally.

Investing in the future of food

A recurring theme during Science Week was the urgent need to bolster funding for agricultural research. Despite evidence that agricultural science significantly boosts productivity, research budgets are often among the first to face cuts during economic downturns. Leaders at the event emphasized that investing in science is not just a necessity — it’s a smart, high-impact strategy.

“Every dollar invested in CGIAR generates ten times the benefit,” said Juergen Voegele, Vice President for Sustainable Development at the World Bank. “Whether for sustainability or economic sense, investing in science is one of the wisest choices we can make — for our planet and for our future.”

Eliud Kireger, KARLO Director General, giving his remarks during the closing ceremony. Photo/Newsflash

To support its ambitious vision, CGIAR presented its Investment Case, calling for $4 billion in funding between 2025 and 2027. These investments would unlock the full potential of agricultural science to address climate change, enhance productivity, and transform food, land, and water systems.

A call to action

The event also featured a keynote from Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who stressed the importance of science-led solutions in tackling hunger and climate challenges.

“With one-third of the global population still facing food insecurity, science must be at the heart of the urgent solutions we seek,” she said.

As the curtains fall on the inaugural CGIAR Science Week, the momentum generated is expected to carry forward into tangible actions. The partnerships formed and innovations showcased are set to impact millions of lives, especially in regions hardest hit by climate and food system challenges.

Ultimately, the event underscored a powerful truth: science, when guided by purpose and strengthened by collaboration, can transform the world — from insights to action, and from action to lasting impact.