On January 15, 2024, the first meeting of the 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference Advisory Committee was held. The co-chairs, Kenneth M. Quinn, President Emeritus of World Food Prize Foundation, and Sun Qixin, President of China Agricultural University; Fan Shenggen, Vice Chairman of the Conference Advisory Committee, Dean of the Global Food Economics and Policy Research Institute of China Agricultural University, Member of CGIAR System Board; Members of the Conference Advisory Committee, Zhao Chunjiang, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Rattan Lal, 2020 World Food Prize Winner, Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, 2021 World Food Prize Winner, Maximo Torero, Chief Economist of FAO,Ben Valk Global Head Food and Agri Partnerships for Rabobank,Rajul Pandya-Lorch, Former Director of Communications and Chief of Staff, IFPRI (USA), Rubén Echeverría, Senior Advisor for Agriculture Development of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Simon Winter, Executive Director of Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture; Fu Wenge, Secretary-General of the Conference Advisory Committee and Professor of China Agricultural University, Liu Kun, Chief of Pinggu District, Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda, Head of East Africa Region of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Song Weiping, President of Dabeinong Group, Cao Linbing Chairman of Shixin Exhibition Group, Zhou Weidong, Cheif of China Office of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and representatives from Syngenta Group, Beidahuang Group, and Yili Group attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Professor Fan Shenggen.

The First Meeting of the Advisory Committee of 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference

At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Fan appreciated all the participants and warmly welcomed the new members. He reviewed the achievements of the 2023 conference and briefly introduced the basic planning for the 2024 conference. Speaking about the conference's objective of "Innovating Agrifood, Sharing Future," Professor Fan emphasized that innovation is the key, especially in scenarios where resources are limited, and that this innovation must be shared with more nations and individuals. He emphasized that the WAFI is global and belongs to the world. Meanwhile, the conference is being positioned as Agrifood "Davos", which means that the conference is expected and believed to be a wonderful agricultural event that cannot be missed .

Fan Shenggen, Dean of the Global Food Economics and Policy Research Institute of China
Agricultural University
Member of CGIAR System Board

Co-chair Kenneth M. Quinn reiterated the remarkable achievements and critical importance of the previous conference, expressing confidence that this event will solidify its position as one of the world's top three agricultural gatherings. Mr. Quinn has long held the belief that agriculture serves as a cornerstone for peace and global stability, and that such stability enables us to more effectively address challenges. By propagating these perspectives at the conference and engaging a diverse range of participants, we can significantly enhance global collaboration, innovation, and exchange in agricultural science and technology, ultimately advancing global food security, peace, and stability. He expressed his high expectations for WAFI 2024, stating that he anticipates an even broader participation and impact. With meticulous preparation, WAFI is destined to achieve even more remarkable outcomes, further solidifying its global influence.

Kenneth M. Quinn, Co-chair of the WAFI Advisory Committee
President Emeritus of World Food Prize Foundation

President Sun Qixin expressed his sincere appreciation for the long-term support and suggestions of all members of the conference advisory committee. He stated that the work of the advisory committee has been fruitful. Thanks to everyone's active participation and joint efforts, the inaugural WAFI was successfully held, achieving and exceeding expected results. The conference brought together agricultural science and technology forces, shared innovative achievements, and jointly promoted global agricultural and economic development. The preparations for WAFI 2024 have officially begun. China Agricultural University will prepare diligently and take the initiative, looking forward to the second WAFI being even more successful with the participation and support of all parties.

Sun Qixin, Co-chair of the WAFI Advisory Committee
President of China Agricultural University

The participants highly praised the achievements of WAFI 2023 and actively put forward suggestions on the forums and themes setting of the 2024 conference. Everyone agreed that innovation is the key point and very concerned about the participation of young talents.

The 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference, will be hold in Pinggu, Beijing, China in this October, aims to continue its tradition of addressing the world and the future. With a focus on the cutting-edge topics of agricultural science and technology innovation, the conference will strive to increase the participation of international corporate guests and young professionals, elevating its international standing. WAFI is committed to fostering innovation and practical outcomes, enhancing the conference's format, content, and presentation style. Participants are encouraged to promote agricultural science and technology, policy, and model innovation, fostering greater cooperation and the conversion of scientific and technological achievements between industry, academia, and research.