CGIAR at UNGA79: Global solutions for agriculture, climate, and food security

In mid-September, world leaders and leading experts from across the globe gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Confronted with urgent global issues—including ongoing conflicts, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity—they aimed to forge collaborative solutions for a better, safer, and greener future for all.

Agriculture at the forefront of global discussions

Agriculture emerged as one of the critical topics during the UNGA and Climate Week meetings. Recognized as both a contributor to and a victim of climate change, the sector holds an important role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). These high-level meetings encouraged collaboration among nations, organizations, and the private sector to innovate climate-resilient farming practices, reduce agricultural emissions, and promote nature-based solutions like regenerative farming and agroforestry.

This year’s discussions highlighted significant developments in agricultural practices, with a strong focus on digital innovations—particularly in AI and large language models (LLMs). Another key area of focus was building gender equity in food systems, recognizing the essential role women play in agriculture and ensuring they have equal opportunities. Additionally, overcoming the persistent challenges of hunger and malnutrition remained a central theme. Youth inclusion in agricultural practices was also emphasized, with the goal of empowering the next generation to drive innovation and create sustainable solutions for the future of food security.

CGIAR’s active participation and key highlights

CGIAR had strong representation during UNGA79’s Science Summit, the Summit for the Future, and the New York Climate Week sessions, led by CGIAR’s Executive Managing Director, Ismahane Elouafi, and Deputy EMD, Guillaume Grosso.

Digital innovations

CGIAR EMD Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, and Global Director of Digital and Data Khuloud Odeh, participated in discussions on scaling CGIAR’s digital innovations.

In a session organized by the United Nations Office for the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Dr. Elouafi underscored the potential of a global AI capacity development network to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CGIAR is committed to advancing AI innovations that are inclusive, safe, and sustainable for transforming food, land, and water systems.

Advancing climate action

At the “Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems” event, co-hosted by the UAE, FAO, and The World Bank, Dr. Elouafi emphasized the critical roles of finance, policy, and technology in achieving sustainable agriculture and food systems. She highlighted the importance of collaboration as we look ahead to COP29.

Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils

Speaking at an event organized by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the U.S. State Department, Dr. Elouafi called for an integrated approach to addressing climate, land degradation, and biodiversity challenges. She stressed the importance of diversifying business models in agriculture, akin to diversifying seeds in various agricultural contexts, for achieving success.

Global partnership for climate adaptation

During the “Leaders Dialogue: Global Partnership for Doubling Down on Climate Adaptation Action” organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), Dr. Elouafi highlighted the need for increased investments in scaling CGIAR innovations. She affirmed CGIAR’s full commitment to this agenda through its new 2025-2030 Research and Innovation Portfolio.

Scaling evidence-based innovations

CGIAR’s Deputy Executive Management Director, Guillaume Grosso, joined the UNGA79 Science Summit roundtable on scaling evidence-based innovations in New York City. He stated, “At CGIAR, we’re improving the way innovations should be scaled up, helping our partners deliver science solutions to the people needing them the most.”

Commitment to gender equality

At the “Commit to Grow Equality” event, Guillaume Grosso shared how the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform works to elevate gender equity in agrifood systems and how CGIAR’s Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion (GDI) Action Plan focuses on equitable opportunities across our workforce.

Addressing hunger and malnutrition

Purnima Menon, Senior Director of Food and Nutrition Policy at CGIAR and IFPRI, participated in critical discussions at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. The dialogues focused on unlocking the potential of universities to end hunger and malnutrition and on advancing global solutions by elevating nutrition to reduce hunger and poverty.

Nutrition and food security

Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted, Director of the Nutrition, Health, and Food Security Impact Area Platform at CGIAR, emphasized building resilient food systems for all and moving towards a healthier future.

Pact for the Future

In discussions leading up to the Summit of the Future, scheduled for 2024, WorldFish Director General Essam Mohammed advocated for including a commitment to leverage fish and aquatic foods in the new Pact for the Future.

Engaging in critical discussions

Other notable CGIAR leaders—including Johan Swinnen,Director General of IFPRI, Shirley Tarawali, Assistant Director General and Secretary to the ILRI Board of Trustees, Simeon Ehui, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Jawoo Koo, CGIAR Research Initiative on Digital Innovation, —were also engaged in critical discussions during UNGA79.

Looking ahead

CGIAR is excited about the valuable insights and collaborations that have emerged from these global discussions. With a $1.4 million commitment from Norway and in partnership with the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) and Chatham House, CGIAR the Secretariat of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF) As we continue to work tirelessly towards tangible results, next year’s UNGA will provide an opportunity to report on the progress of ongoing initiatives and discuss their impact.

The UN General Assembly sessions have reinforced the imperative of collaborative action in addressing global challenges in agriculture. CGIAR remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, promoting gender equity, and harnessing digital innovations to transform food, land, and water systems for a better future. Until the next UNGA, we will continue our relentless efforts towards achieving these goals.