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World Food Forum: FAO director-general opens Science & Innovation Forum 2024
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Wednesday, 23 October, 2024, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Rome
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The third edition of the Science and Innovation Forum of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) opened under the theme, ‘Inclusive Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation, Leaving No One Behind’.
It is taking place under the umbrella of the World Food Forum (WFF), together with the Global Youth Forum and the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. This year’s theme is aligned with the WFF 2024 overall theme of ‘Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow’.
Inaugurated by FAO director-general QU Dongyu in 2022, the forum brings together recognised scientists, innovation experts, and policymakers, as well as small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and the private sector, in a bid to encourage a diversity of perspectives based on science. It also aims to facilitate inclusive debate and showcase how science and innovation can be leveraged for agrifood systems transformation.
This year’s notable participants include Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and two Nobel Laureates - Michael Kremer (Economics) and Carlos Nobre (Peace).
The forum’s technical sessions will be organised around three critical themes:
• Biotechnologies: Exploring the latest advancements and applications in biotechnology to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
• Community-Driven Innovations: Highlighting grassroots innovations and community-led initiatives that drive transformation of local and regional agrifood systems.
• Digital Agriculture: Examining the role of digital technologies, such as precision farming, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, in revolutionising agricultural practices and improving supply chain efficiencies.
These themes have been selected for their significant role in transitioning towards efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
“Science, technology, and innovation are key accelerators of agrifood systems transformation, but they must be inclusive to ensure that the transition is just and equitable,” Dongyu said in his opening address to the forum.
This involves prioritising small-scale producers, women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples by ensuring their participation and access to context-specific technologies, enhancing food security. Strong political will and good governance are equally critical if we want to reap the benefits of science, technology, and innovation, he said.
The director-general later addressed a session that centred on this very topic titled Towards Equity: Closing the Science, Technology, Innovation Gap. He reminded the audience of the importance of scientific debate and of ensuring access to science and technology for all, particularly smallholder farmers.
“We have to change business as usual in a more innovative, inclusive, and open way. Just like with food, innovation must be made available, accessible, and affordable,” Dongyu said.
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