Global Efforts to Tackle Hunger Through Science and Innovation
Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) commenced the 5th edition of the Science and Innovation Forum (SIF) at its headquarters. Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the necessity of ensuring that scientific advancements benefit the 645 million people who continue to suffer from hunger globally.
Launched in 2022 by the Director-General, SIF is integral to the World Food Forum (WFF), with this year’s theme being “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.” The Forum acts as a collaborative platform, promoting science-driven solutions among policymakers, researchers, and innovators to revolutionize agrifood systems.
From October 13-16, 2026, the Forum underscores the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in crafting agrifood systems that are efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. These efforts aim to enhance food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.
Despite the rapid transformation in food production and consumption through innovations like biotechnology and artificial intelligence, food insecurity affects one in four people worldwide, and one in three cannot afford a nutritious diet.
While groundbreaking technologies exist, their potential is only realized when they are accessible and affordable for those in need, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 96% of the offline population resides.
“We must accelerate and scale science and innovation, so that our Members can drive progress across the Four Betters, leaving no one behind,” stated the Director-General. “Leaving no one behind is not a slogan. No farmer left behind is not an aspiration, but a reality test.”
The opening ceremony featured notable speakers including Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Armando Rodríguez Batista, Cuba’s Minister for Science, Technology and Environment, and Alexander Alimov, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. They discussed integrating technology with traditional knowledge, science’s role in agriculture, and global food security.
Assessing the Impact of Science and Innovation
The Forum aims to convert scientific progress into practical solutions that enhance food security and resilience for farmers. Discussions will focus on evidence-based policymaking and investment. The Director-General proposed three “reality tests” to determine the effectiveness of scaling science and innovation:
- Reach: Are innovations accessible to farmers and entrepreneurs in a language and format they can use and afford?
- Rigour: Scientific data must be robust and trustworthy. SIF emphasizes high-quality evidence synthesis and strengthening links between scientists and policymakers.
- Resources: Adequate funding is essential for good ideas to reach those in need. The FAO-led Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) dataset supports investment decisions by identifying research trends and gaps.
Partnerships are essential for turning science and innovation into impactful actions, which is why the Forum unites governments, researchers, and the private sector.
Highlights of SIF 2026
Aligned with FAO’s 2026–2027 theme of Fostering Innovation for Food Security, SIF 2026 will feature high-level plenaries and technical sessions covering topics like AI governance and climate adaptation.
Joint sessions with the WFF Youth Initiative will facilitate dialogue on youth careers and innovation, showcasing the role of young people in transforming agrifood systems.
Youth-led research and the experiences of young women in conflict settings will be highlighted, contributing to discussions on advancing efficient and sustainable agrifood systems globally.
Original Story at www.fao.org