CGIAR endorses laureate statement calling for bold action on global food security 

More than 150 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates have issued a powerful call to action on the urgent crises of food insecurity, malnutrition, and the escalating threats posed by climate change, conflict, and resource depletion. Endorsing this landmark Laureate Statement, CGIAR joins global leaders in emphasizing the critical role of agricultural research and innovation in transforming food, land, and water systems  to build sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems. 

The statement reveals that 700 million people face food insecurity today, 350 million are unsure of where their next meal will come from, and 60 million children under five are suffering from stunted growth due to nutritional deficiencies. With the global population projected to grow by 1.5 billion by 2050, these challenges are set to intensify, exacerbated by climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. Addressing these issues requires transformative action in agricultural research and development (R&D). 

Key focuses of the statement 

The Laureate Statement calls for bold, high-risk, high-reward scientific research to transform global food systems. It advocates for “moonshot” initiatives to achieve substantial leaps in food production and nutrition security. Proposed areas of focus include enhancing photosynthesis in crops such as wheat and rice, enabling biological nitrogen fixation in major cereals, transforming annual crops into perennials, developing new and overlooked crops, innovating diverse cropping systems, improving the storage, shelf life, and safety of fruits and vegetables, and creating nutrient-rich foods from microorganisms and fungi. 

The statement also emphasizes the need for science-based policies, enabling regulations, and incentives to ensure innovations benefit those most in need, particularly in developing regions. 

CGIAR’s alignment with the statement 

CGIAR aligns with the vision in the 2025 Laureate Statement, emphasizing the need for research-driven agricultural innovation to tackle global food security. This includes prioritizing equity and accessibility, ensuring scientific advancements benefit vulnerable populations, and encouraging sustainability to safeguard resources and biodiversity. We know that greater investment and collaboration across sectors is essential for successful implementation, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and promoting long-term solutions. 

“The challenges outlined in the 2025 Laureate Statement are immense, but they are not insurmountable,” said Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR. “By investing in bold scientific innovations and ensuring their equitable dissemination, we can pave the way for a food-secure future. CGIAR is proud to endorse this call to action and will continue to play a leading role in driving the agricultural transformation needed to meet these goals

Taking action for the future

To reverse the trajectory towards a food-insecure future, CGIAR and the Laureate Statement advocate for increased investment in agricultural R&D and the establishment of mechanisms to coordinate and monitor collaborative initiatives. These efforts will ensure innovation reaches those who need it most, creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. 

As humanity confronts the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and mitigating the impacts of climate change, CGIAR is committed to leading transformative efforts in agricultural research. By aligning with the goals of the Laureate Statement, we can catalyze bold action and nurture global collaboration, ensuring a sustainable and food-secure future for all.