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Science, Technology and Innovation

FAO Science and Innovation Forum

MAIN EVENT 2022

The FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2022 will focus on highlighting the centrality of science, technology and innovation for agrifood systems transformation. The event will encourage a diversity of perspectives based on science, thereby facilitating rationalization and inclusiveness of debate. 

The FAO Science and Innovation Forum will be organized together with the World Food Forum (WFF) and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum from 17 to 21 October 2022. 

Highlights from the FAO Science and Innovation Forum

Photos

Video messages for the Science and Innovation Forum

Video interviews with Scientists 

Young scientist story
Gabriella D’Cruz, Young Scientist and Food Hero

Gabriella D’Cruz - the 2021 Food Chain Global Youth Champion- is devoting herself to helping coastal communities rely on the sea for their livelihoods. 

Stories

 

The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 puts at its centre the vision of Leaving No One Behind through MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all. Technology and innovation are two of the four accelerators in the FAO Strategic Framework, together with data and complements (governance, human capital, and institutions).

Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) is key for leveraging emerging opportunities for reaching a world free from poverty, hunger and malnutrition. FAO is integrating STI to provide solutions that address the three dimensions of sustainability. To bring FAO’s initiatives into a coherent framework, and to facilitate the development of new initiatives, FAO developed its first-ever Science and Innovation Strategy that will help strengthen the use of science and innovation in FAO’s technical interventions and normative guidance, and serve as a key tool for the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31.

FAO is distinctive in having both the mandate and the convening capacity to bring relevant stakeholders together to design, develop and implement impactful initiatives through coordinated and collective action. Working through reinvigorated partnerships with the full range of relevant actors, FAO is well-placed to connect policy makers, research, producers, indigenous peoples, CSOs, consumers, and the private sector through a shared global agenda on science and innovation in agrifood systems to contribute to the SDGs.

The FAO Science and Innovation Forum will build on the success of the “ Science Days for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021” organized by the Scientific Group, and facilitated and hosted by FAO on 08-09 July 2021.

 

The FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2022 will focus on highlighting the centrality of science, technology and innovation for agrifood systems transformation. The event will encourage a diversity of perspectives based on science, thereby facilitating rationalization and inclusiveness of debate. 

The FAO Science and Innovation Forum will be organized together with the World Food Forum (WFF) and Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum from 17 to 21 October 2022. 

More specifically, the objectives of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum are to:

  • Share robust science and evidence-based options for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
  • Assist countries in making informed decisions regarding the co-creation, adaptation and adoption of appropriate and context-specific technologies and innovations.
  • Explore scientific and technological advances and associated risks and opportunities.
  • Promote effective science communication, including by engaging on contentious issues.
  • Analyze options for strengthening science and evidence-based decision-making. 

 

An exciting and varied programme awaits the participants, with a deep dive into what major policy, scientific and educational challenges, solutions and opportunities exist for reducing hunger and increasing food security around the world, along with specific country investment and intervention opportunities. This will be conveyed through panel discussions, side-events, capacity development workshops, educational activities and bilateral meetings, many of which designed to deliver insights on how to harness the passion and ingenuity of the next generation. The Forum will facilitate in-depth dialogues amongst current and future thought leaders and scientific experts to find practical and concrete solutions for the transformation of our agrifood systems.

These solutions can only thrive in an enabling environment and so participants will also discuss what regulatory and policy improvements are needed to empower agripreneurs, in particular young farmers and startups, to connect with local and global value chains. The week will also be a celebration of all the progress made so far, with innovation awards, exhibitions and cultural activities.

 

  • Scientific and technological advances explored;
  • Options for science and evidence-based decision-making analyzed;
  • Options for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems shared;
  • Countries supported in making informed decisions;
  • Effective science communication promoted.

The Informal Steering Committee - Bios

The Informal Steering Committee, chaired by the FAO Chief Scientist and comprised of renowned scientists, provides thought leadership and acts as an advisory board to oversee the organization of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum.