The theme of the forum's third edition is Inclusive Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation, Leaving No One Behind

The third edition of the Science and Innovation Forum (SIF 2024) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) opened today under the theme Inclusive Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation, Leaving No One Behind.

SIF 2024 is taking place until 18 October 2024 under the umbrella of the World Food Forum (WFF), together with the Global Youth Forum and the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. This year's theme is aligned with the WFF 2024 overall theme of Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow. 

Inaugurated by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu in 2022, the forum brings together recognized scientists, innovation experts, and policymakers, as well as small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and the private sector, in a bid to encourage a diversity of perspectives based on science. It also aims to facilitate inclusive debate and showcase how science and innovation can be leveraged for agrifood systems transformation.

This year's notable participants include Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and two Nobel Laureates - Michael Kremer (Economics) and Carlos Nobre (Peace).

The forum's technical sessions will be organized around three critical themes: 

• Biotechnologies: Exploring the latest advancements and applications in biotechnology to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
• Community-Driven Innovations: Highlighting grassroots innovations and community-led initiatives that drive transformation of local and regional agrifood systems. 
• Digital Agriculture: Examining the role of digital technologies, such as precision farming, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, in revolutionizing agricultural practices and improving supply chain efficiencies. 

These themes have been selected for their significant role in transitioning towards efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.   

"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," FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in his opening address to the forum.

This involves prioritizing 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 equally critical if we want to reap the benefits of science, technology, and innovation, he said.

The Director-General later addressed a session of SIF 2024 that centred on this very topic titled Towards Equity: Closing the Science, Technology, Innovation Gap. Here, he reminded the audience of the importance of scientific debate and of ensuring access to science and technology for all, particularly smallholder farmers.

"We have to change business as usual in a more innovative, inclusive, and open way," Qu said. Just like with food, innovation must be made available, accessible, and affordable, he said.

Reports launched

The opening day of SIF 2024 also witnessed the launch of two reports: the WFF Young Scientists Group (YSG) report, named Digital technologies for multi-dimensional youth engagement in agrifood systems transformation, and a foresight report named Shaping sustainable agrifood futures: pre-emerging and emerging technologies and innovations for impact.

The former highlights how digital tools can empower young people to transform agrifood systems, whether by developing new technologies or using them to make a difference. The latter identifies and analyzes emerging technologies and innovations and their enabling environment and develops future-oriented strategies for policymakers and other key stakeholders. Building upon the synthesis report (FAO and CIRAD, 2023), this work delves into emerging fields and application areas and provides insights for improved innovation pathways.

Thursday will see the launch of the Programme on Accelerator Mentorship for Women-led SMEs in Africa, a component of the jointly-led FAO-International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) initiative: Accelerator Mentorship Programme for Women-led SMEs in Africa. The initiative will foster 50 female entrepreneurs (mentees) across Africa, offering them mentorship from a panel of experienced women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector from around the globe. It will contribute to more productive, sustainable, and innovative agrifood systems by addressing social, economic, environmental, and gender considerations.