IRRI-ADB forum spotlights science, investment, and partnerships for global food system transformation

Bold investments, strategic partnerships, and scalable solutions were at the forefront of the discussions at the “Future of Global Food Systems Forum,” co-hosted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to accelerate global food systems transformation, particularly for rice.

While rice feeds over four billion people and supports 150 million smallholder farmers globally, its sustainable production remains vulnerable to rising global pressures such as adverse climate change, resource scarcity, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.

Held in celebration of IRRI’s 65th anniversary, the forum gathered global leaders, experts, and government figures to spark conversations on expanding the reach of science-based solutions to confront these challenges.

Scaling up Rice System Solutions

The first panel, moderated by Dr. Ruben G. Echeverria of the Gates Foundation, focused on scaling proven rice technologies powered by research and investment.

Dr. Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director of ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office highlighted the newly launched ADB-CGIAR Clearinghouse Facility as a key platform to expand the adoption of these technologies across developing member countries (DMCs).

The Clearinghouse is co-financed by ADB and the Gates Foundation, with rice as an entry point due to its strong research foundation and importance to global food security.

IRRI Director General Yvonne Pinto elaborated on CGIAR’s role in the platform to support ADB and DMCs as technical expert to ensure that innovations are properly adapted and scaled.

“CGIAR is excellent at providing proof of concept, collecting data that tells us these tried and tested solutions work in specific contexts. But beyond that, they are only one actor in a broader ecosystem,” said Dr. Pinto.

She further encouraged multi-sector cooperation, emphasizing that the private sector, governments, national systems, and…