World Agriculture Forum - Innovating for Sustainable Future

Message from the Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

At the World Agriculture Forum (WAF), we are driven by a collective vision of sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture—one that brings together leaders, experts, and changemakers from around the globe. As Secretary General, I am both inspired and motivated to work with this extraordinary community dedicated to transforming agriculture to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of our world. Agriculture today holds immense potential; it not only has the capacity to feed billions but also plays a crucial role in driving economic development and uplifting rural livelihoods while protecting our planet's invaluable resources.

Yet, we are acutely aware of the implementation gaps that can impede our progress. At WAF, we are resolute in our mission to bridge these gaps by establishing clear objectives and crafting actionable strategies. We understand that tackling the multifaceted challenges in agriculture demands innovative and targeted solutions. Therefore, we are dedicated to developing innovative approaches tailored to both local and global contexts, ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and communities worldwide.

Moreover, we understand the urgency of advancing sustainable development and promoting climate-adapted crops in agriculture. By advocating actionable policies, we will not only steer global agriculture toward sustainable practices that can withstand the impacts of climate change, but also to ensure agriculture that needs to feed an increasing population flourishes in harmony with our planet. We will thus lay the groundwork for a resilient agricultural sector that can support and sustain future generations.

Our mission at WAF is more relevant than ever, as the agricultural landscape continues to evolve amid pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, gender inequity and rural poverty. We are dedicated to transforming impactful and innovative ideas into tangible actions that create real, lasting change. By fostering connections and collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors and regions—be it governments, the private sector, or local communities—we believe we can unlock the true potential of agriculture. Together, we can cultivate prosperity and pave the way for a sustainable future that benefits both current and future generations.

Let us join hands to plant the seeds of change and nurture a thriving agricultural landscape for our shared future.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jacqueline Hughes

Secretary General, World Agriculture Forum