Figure1 Second Virtual Meeting of WAFI Advisory Committee

The Second Advisory Committee Meeting for WAFI2025 convened online on March 13, 2025, under the leadership of Executive Chair FAN Shenggen. Bringing together global leaders, academics, and industry experts, the meeting focused on pressing challenges and innovative strategies for food system transformation.

Figure2 Kenneth Quinn, Co-Chair of WAFI Advisory Committee

Co-Chair Kenneth Quinn proposed an annual WAFI report to track global progress toward feeding an estimated 9.7 billion people by 2050, stressing the urgency of agricultural innovation. Discussions centered on resilience, climate adaptation, and nutrition, with Dr. Ruben Echeverria emphasizing the need for robust resilience metrics. Dr. David Nabarro advocated for integrating climate change and nutrion themes into WAFI’s agenda, aligning discussions with the UN Food Systems Summit and COP30.

Professor LI Xiaoyun highlighted the importance of engaging more universities from the Global South and strengthening private sector participation. Aidan Connolly underscored the necessity of deeper industry collaboration, while Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted emphasized the role of indigenous knowledge in climate resilience. Professor FU Wenge explored the transformative potential of AI in agriculture and announced the launch of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award to support young innovators.

Figure3 SUN Qixin, Co-Chair of WAFI Advisory Committee

Co-Chair SUN Qixin reaffirmed WAFI’s dedication to advancing food system resilience, aligning its efforts with China Agricultural University’s 120th anniversary. A follow-up meeting will further refine strategies and coordinate efforts with key stakeholders, including UN agencies and the FAO.

WAFI2025 is poised to be a landmark event, shaping the future of global food security through innovation, collaboration, and policy impact.