As policymakers across the world grapple with the possible trade-offs from shutdowns to decrease what some are calling the third—and hopefully final wave—of COVID-19, One CGIAR is using foresight and trade-off analyses to prepare for alternative futures related to food and nutrition security. As we enter the new year, hindsight shows no one was truly prepared for the health implications of the pandemic or the economic and social turmoil that would ensue and wreak havoc on livelihoods worldwide. This year is crucial for the world to address the pandemic. The year 2021 also is key for One CGIAR to define its new Research Initiatives in a post-pandemic reality.