Science Week Opens: A Leap Forward in Science Collaboration for Food Security

7th April, Nairobi, Kenya: Science Week was launched today 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 8,000 delegates will 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. 

The conference also serves as a platform for stakeholders to investigate new investment pathways that accelerate agricultural research in the face of mounting global agricultural challenges. Science Week underscores CGIAR and its partners’ steadfast commitment to international agricultural research and the critical need for sustained global investment in innovation, technology, and science.

“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

At a special panel titled Council of the Wise, the Opening Ceremony proved a unique opportunity for global leaders and science experts to share knowledge and insights alongside farmer community members who offer inside knowledge from the frontline of agricultural challenges.

“Science Week is about drawing on deep wells of experience. Delegates have led science institutions and navigated farming through complex and changing challenges. Their insights are invaluable as we work to transform agri-food systems towards resilience,” said Lindiwe Sibanda, Chair of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership Board and moderator for the Council of the Wise panel.

Delegates from all over the world join Science Week in Kenya, with a special focus this year on Africa as a living lab whose diverse ecosystems, mounting agricultural pressures, diminishing natural resources, and fast-expanding populations highlight its relevance in the advancement of global science.

“Women feed Africa because they make up a high proportion of smallholder farmers. Yet, where are the technology and tools that empower women and girls? When looking at the science to address challenges facing Africa, it is essential to do this through the gender lens to ensure innovations are equitable and inclusive, ” said Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former Prime Minister of Mauritius

A key topic will be how mission-driven collaboration, particularly through South-South cooperation, can ensure that agricultural advancements reach those who need them most, especially marginalized and underserved farming communities. By welcoming diverse perspectives and leveraging cutting-edge research, Science Week can shape a brighter future for all.

“We have made considerable progress over the last decades in science and productivity, but demographic pressures have eroded the gains. We need to do more with less, combining political solutions with scientific solutions,” said Ibrahim Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and Former Prime Minister of Niger.

Given the enormity of the challenge, Science Week is a platform to enhance regional and global partnerships to scale innovations and solutions, reinforcing practices that work. The Opening Ceremony set the tone for the week by emphasizing the transformative power of research, innovation, technology, science, and partnerships that can guide the transformation of food systems for a sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet.

Click here for the event pictures.

For more information on Science Week and to livestream plenaries and events, click here.