Hear from industry experts and influencers on stage, in workshops, and over coffee across two days of talks and events—or get answers from our team at the Ask GitHub booths.
When humanity faced its greatest challenges, science and innovation provided solutions. Today, major global challenges such as climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and malnutrition, rural poverty, and gender and social inequality in agrifood systems threaten the sustainability of food, land, and water systems, leaving the most vulnerable people and communities at greatest risk.
Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) brought together the world’s leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health for the very first CGIAR Science Week. This gathering was a key moment to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships that can secure investment in sustainable food systems to nourish both people and the planet.
Drawing on CGIAR science and partnerships from around the world, the inaugural CGIAR Science Week engaged the community of global leaders in research, policy, and development working for a food, nutrition, and climate secure future in active dialogue during plenary sessions focused on harnessing and scaling science and innovation. Participants learned about CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030 through dedicated Strategy Dialogues on Science Programs & Accelerators, and discovered cutting-edge science from CGIAR centers worldwide through science talks, innovation showcases, and research workshops. The event also offered the chance to see, first-hand, transformative innovations improving the lives of vulnerable communities in our exhibition area and explored CGIAR and partner labs and research stations to see science in action during field visits.
During Science Week, we officially launched CGIAR’s new Science and Innovation Portfolio, which aims to address the biggest global challenges of our time: climate change, gender and social inequality, poor-quality diets, rural poverty, as well as fragility, conflict, and violence. Building on CGIAR's 50-year legacy of driving impact through science, the new portfolio brings together global expertise and partnerships to develop and scale innovations that can tackle the impact of these challenges on our planet's food, land, and water systems.
The world's most vulnerable populations are increasingly burdened by heightened food insecurity, poverty, and social inequality, as a result of the water scarcity, malnutrition, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events that are more prevalent in these regions. At this critical juncture, CGIAR Science Week’s plenary program brought together global and regional leaders in research, policy, and development to discuss how we can harness and scale science and innovation and partner in more effective ways to provide food, nutrition and climate security for all.
The CGIAR Science Week will open with a high-level plenary session that underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to international agricultural research and the critical role of sustained global investment in innovation, technology, and science. This session will serve as a cornerstone for the week, setting the stage for exploring transformative solutions to the complex challenges facing agri-food systems. Recognizing the interconnected and context-specific nature of these challenges, the session will reflect on past successes and lessons learned while embracing new approaches that prioritize inclusivity, partnership, and innovation. A key focus will be on how CGIAR can foster mission-driven collaborations—particularly through South-South cooperation—to 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, this plenary will guide the reimagining of a sustainable and resilient future for people, the planet, and food systems worldwide.
Segment 1: Opening Ceremony - Welcoming Science
Sequence 1.1: Welcome remarks
Sequence 1.2: Official Opening by Government of Kenya
Sequence 1.3: Council of the Wise
Sequence 1.4: High-Level Roundtable Discussion – Innovations and Partnerships for Food Security
Sequence 1.5: Panel Discussion - Science for the Future
Today, major and connected global challenges threaten the sustainability of food, land, and water systems, with the most vulnerable people and communities at greatest risk. Tackling these disruptions requires continued strengthening of collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships to harness and scale up innovations, technologies and scientific advancements to transform the agri-food systems into models of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity that nourish both people and the planet.
Recognizing the urgency of these crises, CGIAR is convening global and regional leaders in research, policy, and development for its inaugural Science Week to discuss strategies and partnerships to enhance the use of science, innovations and technologies for sustainable agri-food systems. The week will also underscore the importance of sustained global investment in agricultural research and science not only for food security but also for economic stability, gender equality, and climate resilience.
Given the enormity of the challenge, the CGIAR is positioning the week as a platform to enhance regional and global partnerships with an aim to scale innovations and solutions to ensure they reach the most vulnerable communities while respecting and reinforcing their practices that work. The week will, therefore, feature sessions and dialogues on the role and the contribution of the CGIAR, NARS and a wide range of partners in delivering results at scale.
This high-level opening plenary segment will be the cornerstone of the CGIAR Science Week. Bringing together a diverse group of leaders from around the world, the session will set the tone for the week emphasizing the transformative power of research, innovation, technology, science and partnerships in reimagining and shaping a brighter future for all.
Segment 2: Empowering Inclusivity & Partnership
Sequence 2.1: Empowering Inclusivity
Sequence 2.2: Scene Setting - Partnerships
Sequence 2.3: Panel Discussion - Power in Partnership
The segment on "Empowering Inclusivity" aims to explore the vital role of inclusivity, partnership, and innovation in addressing the multifaceted challenges of our agri-food systems. The challenges the world faces are increasingly global and interconnected. At the same time there is growing awareness of the complexity and context-specificity of agrifood systems. How do we address the mega challenges of our time with inclusive approaches to research and innovation? How can we effectively convene mission-driven partnerships and enhance South-South collaboration to ensure that agricultural innovations are not only developed but also successfully shared to reach the hands of farmers, particularly those in underserved or marginalized communities?
The plenary session will focus on fostering regional integration, scaling innovation, and amplifying the impact of CGIAR's research in addressing agricultural challenges. Anchored in the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program—launched at the 45th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in 2023—this session will highlight efforts to enhance collaboration within the ASEAN region and explore South-South cooperation. By scaling bold, integrated innovations, CGIAR aims to build climate-resilient agri-food systems, improve livelihoods across the value chain, and ensure more affordable, nutritious food while safeguarding the environment. Additionally, the session will examine CGIAR’s research portfolio for 2025-2030, focusing on strategies to effectively scale scientific advancements to reach farmers and consumers worldwide. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global agricultural transformation efforts, this discussion will showcase how CGIAR’s cutting-edge research translates into tangible benefits for communities and drives meaningful progress toward a sustainable and food-secure future.
Segment 1: Building Bridges
Sequence 1.1: Panel Discussion: ASEAN Focus: Fostering Regional Integration & South-South collaboration
Sequence 1.2: Remarks
The segment on "Fostering Regional Integration and Coordination: Enhancing Collaboration within the ASEAN Region" is situated within the framework of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Programme. Launched at the 45th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in 2023, this collaborative initiative aims to address agricultural challenges across ASEAN countries through scaling up and out bold integrated innovations that will make ASEAN agri-food systems more resilient to climate change. It will also deliver better livelihoods for food producers and other stakeholders along the value chain, as well as more affordable, nutritious and healthy food for consumers and a better natural environment for all. The session will also draw on early lessons from the project to showcase regional integration in the ASEAN region and explore South-South collaboration.
Segment 2: Growing Legacy
Sequence 2.1: Presentation: CGIAR’s Portfolio 2025-30 Update
Sequence 2.2: Panel Discussion: Growing Legacy
As the world grapples with ensuring food security for a growing population while protecting our planet, innovative solutions in the agri-food sector are more critical than ever. This segment as part of the second panel of the CGIAR Science Week aims to delve into crucial aspects of CGIAR's research portfolio for the years 2025-2030 and explore strategies for effectively scaling innovations to ensure they reach farmers and consumers worldwide. With a focus on addressing the major challenges to food, land, and water systems sustainability, this session will provide insights into how CGIAR's work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributes to global efforts for agricultural transformation.
This segment will examine how CGIAR's cutting-edge research and initiatives are designed to tackle these pressing issues and discuss the pathways for translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for communities on the ground. By highlighting the intersections between CGIAR's research and the broader international development agenda, we aim to underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in driving progress towards a sustainable and food-secure future.
This plenary session will explore transformative strategies and innovations driving agricultural resilience and sustainability across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC). In Africa, the discussion will center on key regional commitments, including the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) outcomes and the Kampala Declaration. It will examine how CGIAR's 2030 Research and Innovation strategy aligns with these frameworks, leveraging science and technology to address complex challenges and advance resilience and prosperity. Meanwhile, in LAC, the session will highlight how initiatives like AgriLAC Resiliente—CGIAR’s regional initiative—have been integrated into agri-food innovation systems to strengthen competitiveness, enhance food and nutritional security, and mitigate climate and environmental challenges. By fostering networks of collaboration and scaling impactful solutions, this session will showcase the role of cutting-edge research in shaping a sustainable agricultural future across both regions.
Segment 1: Targeting Transformation – Africa
Sequence 1.1: Panel Discussion: Embracing Regional Targets (AU/CAADP & Kampala commitments)
Sequence 1.2: Panel Discussion: 2050 vision for Africa: a dialogue between CGIAR leaders and some key partners
Sequence 1.3: Panel Discussion: Transforming Africa’s Food Systems: Vision and Leadership
Africa stands at a pivotal moment, confronting a confluence of challenges amid ambitious regional commitments and urgent calls for action. The plenary session titled "Targeting Transformation - Africa" within CGIAR Science Week serves as a beacon of collaboration and innovation in response to these pressing issues.
The session will delve into the core pillars of Africa's transformation agenda, drawing from key regional commitments such as the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the newly adopted Kampala Declaration among many others.
Amidst these commitments, the session will spotlight strategies and innovations imperative for navigating Africa's complex challenges. It will explore how CGIAR's 2030 Research and Innovation strategy aligns with and bolsters these regional frameworks, positioning science and technology as linchpins in Africa's journey towards resilience and prosperity.
As Africa charts its course towards 2050, this segment serves as a platform for envisioning a future where sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity are not just aspirations but tangible realities for all its people. Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we endeavor to target transformation and unlock Africa's boundless potential.
Segment 2: Harvesting Innovation - Latin America & Caribbean
Innovation and collaboration are driving the transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean's (LAC) agri-food systems, helping the region navigate pressing challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, competitiveness, and food and nutritional security. With a strong emphasis on resilience and sustainability, this segment explores how regional initiatives—such as AgriLAC Resiliente—are being integrated into agri-food innovation systems to enhance their impact and scalability.
This discussion will highlight how research, technology, and policy innovations are shaping a more adaptive and competitive agri-food sector in LAC. It will bring together experts from leading agricultural institutions, research organizations, and policy sectors to examine best practices in agricultural innovation, the role of cross-sector collaboration, and strategies to scale transformative solutions.
Throughout this segment, speakers will explore:
- The role of regional innovation systems in strengthening agricultural resilience and productivity.
- The power of South-South cooperation in fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative solutions.
= The importance of genetic resources, sustainable practices, and digital innovations in building future-ready food systems.
- How partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and farmers can accelerate the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart practices.
- By fostering dialogue on these critical themes, this session will provide valuable insights into how LAC can continue to lead in agricultural innovation, ensuring food security while promoting economic and environmental sustainability.
As global agriculture and food systems face unprecedented challenges—from climate change and resource constraints to food security and economic stability—science, innovation, and strategic partnerships are more critical than ever. This plenary session will highlight CGIAR’s pivotal role in harnessing research, technology, and collaboration to drive resilient and sustainable agri-food solutions. With a focus on fostering scientific advancements and securing sustained global investment in research, the discussion will explore forward-thinking approaches to enhance food, land, and water systems. Additionally, the session will delve into the growing frontiers of agricultural transformation, examining the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating evidence synthesis, the coordination of critical research needs, and the integration of global, local, and Indigenous knowledge. By connecting science with actionable strategies, this session will underscore the power of innovation in shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Segment 1: Connecting Science
Sequence 1.1: Enabling Environment
Sequence 1.2: Catalyzing Solutions
As the world continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges facing the agri-food systems, the CGIAR Science Week serves to underscore the critical role of research, innovation, technology, and science in finding sustainable and resilient solutions. With its unwavering commitment to international agricultural research, the CGIAR is an indispensable partner in science-based actions and initiatives aimed at enhancing food, land, and water systems. It emphasizes the importance of embracing innovative approaches to effectively address the complex challenges confronting agri-food systems today.
This segment is structured around two interlinked discussions that explore different aspects of science-driven transformation. The "Enabling Environment" discussion will focus on the policies, institutional frameworks, and cross-sector collaborations necessary to create a supportive landscape for scientific advancements in agriculture. It will explore how regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and governance structures can enhance the impact of research. The "Catalyzing Solutions" discussion will shift toward the application of cutting-edge research and emerging innovations, highlighting breakthrough technologies, data-driven approaches, and collaborative models that can drive measurable improvements in food security and environmental sustainability. Together, these discussions will provide a comprehensive view of how science can be both a guiding force and a catalyst for meaningful change in global agri-food systems.
Segment 2: Charting New Paths
Sequence 2.1: Panel Discussion: Wealth in Diversity
Sequence 2.2: Panel Discussion: Building Water-Resilient Food Systems
Sequence 2.3: Panel Discussion: The Future of Agri-Foods
The synthesis of knowledge from diverse sources is crucial for effective decision-making in agrifood systems. Challenges persist in integrating the ever-expanding research, knowledge and evidence base into policy. The infrastructure to support the translation of research findings and indigenous wisdom into evidence-informed solutions for policy is limited, especially compared to other sectors like health and education.
The "Charting New Paths" segment aims to explore the innovative and forward-thinking approaches necessary to address the challenges facing global agriculture and food systems. As the world grapples with climate change, population growth, and resource constraints, this session will look into the importance of diversity, resilience, and foresight in creating sustainable and secure food systems. Through a series of focused sub-sessions, this segment will delve into the urgent need to coordinate evidence needs in the sector, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating evidence synthesis, and exploring the inclusivity of global, local and indigenous knowledge.
This segment is structured into three interlinked discussions:
Wealth in Diversity – Diversity in agricultural systems is a key driver of resilience, sustainability, and productivity. This panel will explore how different forms of knowledge—scientific, technological, and indigenous—can be leveraged to strengthen food systems and enhance adaptability in a changing world.
Building Water-Resilient Food Systems – Water security plays a fundamental role in sustaining agricultural productivity and food security. This session will examine how food systems can adapt to increasing water challenges while ensuring long-term resilience, equitable access, and sustainability.
The Future of Agri-Foods – The transformation of food systems requires bold and forward-thinking approaches. This panel will discuss the role of emerging innovations, evolving market dynamics, and systemic shifts in shaping the future of agriculture, ensuring food security, and addressing global challenges.
Closing the plenary session will articulate the vision of collaboration and continue to build, consolidate and nurture partnerships based on shared priorities to deliver for food security, economic stability, gender equality and climate resilience.
Sequence 1 – Reflections on CG Science Week
Sequence 2: Remarks from Centre DGs
Sequence 3: Closure of the CGIAR Science Week
Explore the CGIAR Science Week expo to discover the exciting innovations and partnerships that impact the transformation of food, land, and water systems. Get hands-on with transformative best-bet technologies and meet the scientists from CGIAR and partner organizations working at the cutting edge of research for development in areas including climate action, genetic innovation, digital & data, livestock and aquatic foods sustainable farming, sustainable diets and policy.
CGIAR genebanks hold the world’s most diverse crop collection, with over 700,000 accessions, and operate as a key exchange hub for disease-free plant material, distributing over 200,000 samples in 2023 through their germplasm health units (GHUs). Located in biodiversity-rich areas, these genebanks and GHUs supply genetic diversity from 3,000 plant species to global researchers, breeders, and farmers, aiding in addressing various agricultural crises and promoting resilient and sustainable farming practices. Incorporating advanced technologies like genomics, artificial intelligence, and cryopreservation, CGIAR genebanks play a crucial role in expanding the use of genetic diversity, enhancing food security, and supporting dietary diversity. They also collaborate extensively with national genebanks, fostering capacity building and joint research to ensure effective conservation of in-situ diversity.
The booth offers an interactive journey, simulating a crop breeder's year. Visitors will navigate through the seasons, each symbolizing crucial phases of crop development, and uncover CGIAR's role in supporting global agricultural advancements. Spring involves market intelligence activities like genotyping and nutritional analysis for crossbreeding. In summer, the focus shifts to breeding, utilizing lab work and field trials with advanced equipment. Autumn sees the collection and analysis of data to refine breeding programs, while winter ensures the developed seeds reach the market efficiently. Titled "Year in the Life of a Crop Breeder," the exhibit features continuous guided tours by experts, accompanied by a virtual tour, showcasing impactful breeding stories.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a key research partner in Africa, committed to addressing hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation. Collaborating with various partners and the private sector, IITA develops innovative solutions to enhance agricultural food systems across the continent. Their research efforts focus on increasing food production, improving health and nutrition security, enhancing livelihoods and incomes, and boosting environmental resilience. Prioritizing stability and food security, especially in the face of climate challenges, IITA has spent over 50 years working to improve staple crops such as banana, plantain, cassava, cowpea, maize, soybean, and yam, ensuring a sustainable future for Africa.
Transforming food systems amid a climate crisis necessitates precise definition and monitoring of results to align with global demands and CGIAR's goals. Effective impact tracking of CGIAR Science Programs is essential to ensure meaningful contributions towards these objectives, benefiting end-users directly. CGIAR's expertise has significantly shaped the development of global digital Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) platforms. This expertise fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization. Through regular data analysis and reflection on program outcomes, CGIAR identifies best practices and areas for enhancement, maintaining the relevance and impact of its work.
The exhibition will highlight the contribution of trees to transforming food systems and building the resilience of communities to climate change. It will feature digital solutions that help farmers restore degraded lands, improve agricultural productivity and achieve food security. In addition, it will display seedlings, tree-based products, and knowledge resources that highlight the practical applications of agroforestry for land restoration and improved livelihoods. Visitors will also get a chance to engage directly with CIFOR-ICRAF scientists and gain insights into the importance of planting the right tree, in the right place, and for the right purpose. This will help them understand how trees can combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen food systems.
The new CGIAR Portfolio, which will run from 2025-2030, was designed to bring out the very best that CGIAR has to offer in the face of the biggest global challenges. To ensure that CGIAR research and innovation is truly demand-driven and addresses the needs of local, regional, and global stakeholders, there is a strong focus on co-creation and consultation in the portfolio development process.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see science in action. Put on your walking shoes and choose from full- or half-day visits providing a close-up view of research in both labs and fields. Tour cutting-edge labs focused on genotyping and phenotyping, soil and land health, and tree germplasm, among other areas. Explore conservation and wildlife research, visit a pest-screening facility, and see how one company is transforming life-changing science into supermarket products.
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is located in the heart of the busy Gigiri neighborhood. This is a high security complex and delegates must ensure they are registered and have applied for a UN visitor pass to enter and attend the event.
Address:
United Nations Office Nairobi
United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
Tel: +254 (0)20 762 0000
Link to the map
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an official document issued by the Kenyan government that allows foreign individuals to enter, stay, and travel within Kenya for a specific purpose and duration. The time it takes to acquire a Kenyan eTA can vary depending on several factors, including the type of eTA, the method of application, and the efficiency of the processing system at the time of application.
eTA service is open to all travellers willing to visit the country, please choose meetings/conferences reason during your visa application.
After applying for a UN accreditation, your visa interview letter & invitation letter will be automatically sent to you via mail.
To apply for visa, click here: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
If you have questions, please contact science.week@cgiar.org
We are pleased to share our recommended hotel accommodation options for self-sponsored delegates who will be attending the CGIAR Science Week in person in Nairobi, Kenya. The hotels provide good amenities, convenient locations, and special rates exclusively for CGIAR Science week. Please consider the following approved list of hotels:
Gem Forest - Booking Link - Booking Code - BGPG (Transport Included)
Ibis Styles, Wetlands - email hotel under booking code : CGIARSCIWK2025
PrideInn Azure Hotel - Booking Link
Holiday Inn Nairobi - email hotel under booking code: CGIARSCIWK2025
Jacaranda Hotel - email hotel under booking code: CGIARSCIWK2025
Villa Rosa Kempinski - Booking link
Golden Tulip - Booking Link
Weston Hotel – Booking Link (Transport included)
Safaripark Hotel- Booking Link (Transport included)
All travellers arriving in Kenya from countries where yellow fever is endemic should present a valid yellow fever certificate.
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