WORLD FOOD FORUM 2024 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION FORUM OPENING SESSION Opening Statement

Excellences, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to officially open the 2024 FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2024, under the umbrella of the World Food Forum. I am optimistic that this Forum will continue to be successful in the years to come.

As a scientist, I believe in the power of science and innovation to uplift humanity, especially the most vulnerable people, as a cost-effective tool. That is why we chose the theme: Inclusive Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation, Leaving No One Behind.

There are many technologies and innovations that are being adopted or in the pipeline, but in line with FAO’s vision we will focus on technology the most beneficial to farmers, such as new varieties, new agriculture inputs, biotechnologies, and digital agriculture, among others. These innovations are central to the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.

This Science and Innovation Forum is opening on World Food Day today – FAO’s 79th Birthday This year’s World Food Day is a timely reminder that all people have the right to adequate foods.

The right to foods for a better life and a better future should be the underlying principle guiding our discussions on science, technology and innovation.

As we gather today, we are reminded of the significant challenges facing our agrifood systems, but we must also recognize the huge opportunities that science and innovation offer to address these challenges, and to ensure that nutritious and diverse and safe foods are available, accessible and affordable for everyone, leaving no one behind.

Today, we also start the countdown to FAO’s 80th Anniversary 2025. Over the past 79 years, we have seen notable progress in FAO’s work and impact, yet there are still big gaps between high-, middle- and low-income countries.

Within countries, disparities persist for small-scale producers, women, girls, migrants, youth, rural and Indigenous Peoples. Science, technology, and innovation are key tools to close these gaps with proper investments.

Dear colleagues,

The recently adopted UN Pact for the Future highlighted the urgent need to transform global agrifood systems. This goal is central to FAO's mandate, and we are taking the lead, alongside key partners, to assist our Members in this transformative journey.

I am delighted that the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) my dear friend Rafael Grosso, could join us today because the collaboration between FAO and IAEA spans more than 60 years, and is the longest within the UN system.

Science, technology and innovation are key accelerators of agrifood systems transformation, but they must be inclusive to ensure that the transition is just and equitable.

This principle lies at the heart of the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy, and the related Strategy on Climate Change.

Science and innovation play a vital role in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis, including biodiversity loss. By optimizing our resources, we can increase food production to feed a growing population, while also reducing our environmental impact.

Science and innovation must prioritize small-scale producers, women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples by ensuring their participation and access to context-specific technologies, enhancing food security.

Strong political will and good governance are critical to reap the benefits of science, technology and innovation. Governance frameworks must include diverse actors to create policies that support sustainable agrifood systems, ensuring innovation benefits everyone along the value chain.

My own 40 years of experience as a scientist and a policy maker has shown me firsthand how powerful science, technology and innovation can be.

I expect this Forum will serve as a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among various global partners. However, beyond dialogues, we need to focus on solutions leading to concrete actions – tangible actions that can impact and benefit farmers, consumers, fisherfolk, pastoralists, foresters, rural and urban communities, women, youth and Indigenous Peoples.

Collaboration between scientists, small-scale producers and private sectors is key to co-creating practical, sustainable solutions by blending local and traditional knowledge with scientific advancements.

I am proud to say that these communities, especially small-scale producers and family farmers, have always been central to FAO’s partnerships and support to Members. And FAO continues to champion these vulnerable groups in all global fora, such as at the recent Summit of the Future, the G7, G20 and the upcoming COP meetings, among others.

Dear Fellow-Scientists,

Let us make use of time and opportunity to strengthen our collaboration – as I always say we need to work together, think together, learn together, and design together so that we can contribute together!

FAO is committed to supporting inclusive science and innovation to accelerate agrifood systems transformation and to ensure no one is left behind.

I wish you to have the fruitful, scientific and professional discussions.

Thank you.