CGIAR, in collaboration with the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), will host CGIAR Science Week 2025 from April 7-12 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore solutions at the intersection of agriculture, climate, and health, driving action toward a more sustainable global food system.
The event comes at a critical time when nearly 350 million people worldwide face extreme hunger, and climate change continues to threaten food security.
With rising global temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and increasing food insecurity, scientific innovations are essential to safeguarding food, land, and water systems while supporting smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities.
Speaking during a press briefing Tuesday morning, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, emphasized the significance of collective efforts, stating that “Science and innovation have always been the backbone of human progress. As we navigate global challenges—from climate change to food insecurity—we need bold, collaborative action. CGIAR Science Week 2025 will unite top scientists, decision-makers, and advocates to enhance food production through science and innovation, reduce malnutrition, and protect biodiversity.”
A key highlight of the event will be the official launch of CGIAR’s 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, a six-year program designed to address some of the most pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.
The initiative aims to drive agricultural innovation, strengthen climate resilience, improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and foster collaboration among governments, research institutions, and the private sector.
With an expected budget of $6 billion to $12 billion, the research portfolio will support initiatives in over 100 countries and engage 3,000 local partners, with a strong focus on advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Kenya’s Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director General of KALRO, expressed the country’s honor in hosting the event, noting that it would provide a platform to showcase groundbreaking scientific innovations and promote strategic collaborations.
He reaffirmed the crucial role of science in addressing food security, building resilience, and fostering economic prosperity, particularly for smallholder farmers in Africa and beyond.
CGIAR Science Week 2025 will feature high-level discussions, expert panels, and interactive showcases on key topics, including the role of artificial intelligence and big data in agricultural decision-making, innovations in climate-smart crop breeding, strategies for supporting youth and women in agriculture, and scaling up nature-based solutions for sustainable farming.
The event presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and forge partnerships that will shape the future of global agriculture.
