Science Week 2025 kicks off in Nairobi

By Wanderi Kamau

April 7, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya: Science Week 2025 officially kicked off today at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), marking the beginning of a week-long gathering of global leaders, agricultural scientists, funders, innovators, and farming community members.

The event was launched by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who emphasized the critical role of science in transforming agriculture and tackling the world’s most urgent development challenges.

“It is an immense honor to host this event bringing together the brightest minds in agricultural science and development,” said Zainab Hawa, Director General of the UN Office in Nairobi. “Science Week will present unique opportunities to share knowledge to advance and develop the role that agriculture plays in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

A global stage for African agriculture

Science Week is being co-hosted by CGIAR—the world’s largest global agricultural innovation network—and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). With over 8,000 delegates in attendance, the event will include a series of high-level panels, exhibitions, workshops, and field visits designed to foster partnerships and accelerate innovation in agricultural research.

A section of the participants of the Science Week 2025 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). Photo/X/PCSPS

“Kenya is honored to co-host this important gathering,” said Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Livestock Development. “CGIAR has been a longstanding and strategic partner—not only here in Kenya but across the continent. Our partnership continues to bear fruit in research, capacity building, and innovation dissemination.”

Mudavadi, who was the special guest, emphasized that Kenya is committed to harnessing science to drive its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which places agriculture at the core of job creation, poverty alleviation, food security, and climate adaptation.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, employing over 60% of our population,” he said. “Yet, the sector faces mounting challenges—from climate change and biodiversity loss to population growth. Science-driven solutions, forged through partnerships, are the only way forward.”

Focus on innovation and equity

Throughout the week, CGIAR and its partners aim to showcase the power of innovation in building resilient food, land, and water systems. The theme of inclusive science was underscored during the “Council of the Wise” panel, where former leaders and grassroots representatives discussed how agricultural science must serve everyone—especially women and marginalized communities.

“Women feed Africa as they make up a high proportion of smallholder farmers,” said Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former Prime Minister of Mauritius. “Yet, where are the tools that empower women and girls? Scientific solutions must be gender-sensitive and inclusive.”

Lindiwe Sibanda, Chair of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership Board and panel moderator, echoed this message: “Science Week is about drawing on deep wells of experience. Delegates here have led science institutions and navigated complex challenges. Their insights are invaluable in shaping resilient agri-food systems.”

Rising to the climate challenge

One of the key themes of Science Week is addressing the profound impact of climate change on agriculture and food security. Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and former Prime Minister of Niger, called for a blending of political will with scientific innovation.

“We’ve made progress over the decades in productivity and science,” he said. “But demographic pressures have outpaced our gains. Now, we must do more with less—combining political solutions with scientific solutions.”

CGIAR’s Executive Managing Director, Ismahane Elouafi, highlighted the importance of maintaining global investment in agricultural research. “This week marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward transforming food systems. CGIAR remains unwavering in its commitment to science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in collaboration.”

Africa as a living lab for global science

This year’s Science Week places a special emphasis on Africa, portraying the continent as a living lab where pressing global issues—climate stress, food insecurity, and rapid population growth—are playing out in real time. With its diverse ecosystems and community-driven approaches, Africa is viewed as central to shaping the future of global agriculture.

As the week unfolds, participants are expected to explore new funding strategies, expand collaborative networks, and chart pathways to scale up scientific innovations—ensuring that solutions reach the smallholder farmers who need them most.

With rising food insecurity and climate challenges threatening livelihoods around the world, Science Week has set a bold tone: the future of agriculture—and the planet—depends on science, solidarity, and sustained action.