January 7, 2026, Beijing – The first Advisory Committee meeting for the 2026 World AgriFood Innovation (WAFI) Conference was successfully convened online on the evening of January 5, 2026 (Beijing Time). The meeting engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the timing, thematic focus, and preparatory work for the WAFI2026 conference. Opening remarks were delivered by Co-Chair Kenneth M. Quinn, President Emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation, with concluding remarks provided by Co-Chair Professor Sun Qixin, President of China Agricultural University (CAU). The session was chaired by Executive Chair Professor Shenggen Fan, Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP) at China Agricultural University. Over 20 distinguished committee members, comprising global leading experts, representatives from international organizations, and industry leaders, participated in the meeting.

Figure 1. First Advisory Committee meeting for WAFI2026

In his opening address, Co-Chair Kenneth M. Quinn highly commended and fully affirmed the comprehensive and fruitful achievements of WAFI2025. He emphasized that as an influential international event in the global agrifood sector, WAFI has established itself as a critical platform for fostering thought leadership, facilitating in-depth dialogue, and driving practical cooperation. He noted that WAFI injects strong momentum into addressing common global challenges such as food security and agricultural sustainable development.

Figure 2. Co-Chair Kenneth M. Quinn, President Emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation

Executive Chair Professor Shenggen Fan systematically reviewed the success of WAFI2025 and provided a detailed introduction to the preliminary planning for WAFI2026. Committee members actively contributed forward-looking and valuable suggestions. There was a strong consensus that WAFI should further strengthen its dual role as a "Connector and Complement" within the global agricultural innovation ecosystem. The committee agreed that "Science and Innovation" should serve as the core driving engine, with "Policy and Market" mechanisms integrated as fundamental supports across all thematic discussions. This approach is vital for effectively transitioning global agricultural innovation achievements from conceptual exploration to practical cooperation and on-the-ground implementation. Furthermore, members highlighted the need to continuously broaden the international communication network, enhance the conference's visibility through global mainstream media and social platforms, enrich participation pathways for diverse stakeholders including young scientists, women leaders in agriculture, and grassroots farmers, and deepen strategic synergies with the UN system and other major international forums. These efforts aim to build a more extensive and profound global network for agrifood innovation cooperation.

Figure 3. Executive Chair Fan Shenggen, Dean of AGFEP at CAU

In his concluding remarks, Co-Chair Professor Sun Qixin expressed high agreement with the insightful suggestions put forward by the committee members regarding the conference's strategic positioning, thematic depth, and impact enhancement. He emphasized that the WAFI Secretariat will comprehensively review, thoroughly study, and actively implement the committee's recommendations. The goal is to dedicate full efforts to making WAFI2026 an international event with greater inclusivity, effectiveness, and global influence. WAFI will join hands with global partners to explore pathways for the green and low-carbon transformation of agrifood systems, contributing practical solutions to ensuring global food security and actively addressing climate change.

Figure 4. Co-Chair Sun Qixin, President of CAU

The meeting concluded with the decision that WAFI2026 will focus on Green and Low-Carbon Transformation of Agrifood Systems, aiming to broadly pool international wisdom and deeply explore directions for agricultural technological innovation. The conference is scheduled to be held in Pinggu, Beijing, in the autumn of 2026.

About WAFI:

The World AgriFood Innovation (WAFI) Conference is a premier global platform dedicated to fostering innovation, dialogue, and collaboration across the agrifood sector. It convenes stakeholders from science, policy, industry, and farming communities worldwide to address pressing challenges and accelerate the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.