Welcome to World Agriculture Forum
As Vice Chair of the World Agriculture Forum, I am driven by my passion for farmer-first, sustainable, and climate-resilient agriculture. For over four decades, I have worked to make science accessible and impactful for those who need it most—especially smallholder farmers and the rural poor. My journey has taken me from serving as Secretary of Agriculture for the Philippines to leading global research organisations committed to agricultural innovation.
I was the first director of the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Research and served as Executive Director of PCAARRD. Internationally, I’ve held key leadership positions at institutions such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and notably, I served as Director General of ICRISAT from 1999. There, I led efforts to enhance the resilience of dryland farming systems and improve food security across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
My book Feeding the Forgotten Poor reflects my unwavering commitment to inclusive, science-led agricultural development. I was honoured to receive the MS Swaminathan Award in 2013 for my contributions to the sector. At WAF, I aim to help steer our strategic direction, strengthen farmer-centric innovation, and advocate for policies that ensure no one is left behind in the global movement for food and nutritional security.
Sincerely,
Dr. William Dar
Vice Chair, World Agriculture Forum
