INTAD Student Mary Tutuola Akingbasote Attends 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue

Introduction

The 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, commonly known as the World Food Prize Dialogue, took place from October 29 to 31 in Des Moines, Iowa. This annual event serves as a platform for global leaders, researchers, policymakers, farmers, and NGOs to tackle keyvproblems linked to food security. The focus this time around, "Seeds of Opportunity: Bridging Generations and Cultivating Diplomacy," echoed Dr. Norman Borlaug's dream to achieve global food security.

Key Highlights

The dialogue featured various activities to engage attendees., including panel discussions, networking lunches, research displays, Live with the Laureates, and even a culinary conversation on stage. Two of the notable highlights of the event were:

Distinguished Speakers:

Notable figures included African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, World Bank President Ajay Banga, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, 2024 World Food Prize Laureate Cary Fowler, Geoffrey Hawtin, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Panel Sessions:

Insightful panels tackled topics such as achieving a world without hunger, bold steps to nourish Africa, promoting diplomacy to ensure food security, biodiversity meaningful partnerships, and giving power to young people. These talks aimed to encourage teamwork across different sectors to come up with long-lasting answers.

Dialogue Overview

The dialogue’s primary goal was to collaboratively address food security challenges, highlighting the value of seed biodiversity and the roles of institutions in creating a hunger-free world.

This year’s dialogue was opened by the World Food Prize Chief Operating Officer, Mashal Husain, who talked about the value of a seed, the potential and power it holds, and its representation of hope, innovation, and the courage to dream. She also reminded us of Dr.
Norman Borlaug's vision for the world: “that every person has access to the nourishment theyneed to thrive.” She spoke about the role of agriculture in promoting understanding and connection across nations and the urgency of addressing the global challenges of hunger and
poverty. After her brief opening speech, the President of the World Food Prize Ambassadors, Terry Branstad, took to the podium, speaking on the belief that “there is no greater gift than the gift of food.” Therefore, there is a need for the development of practical solutions to address the pressing challenges of food security.

Panel Sessions

Sessions were held at the dialogue covering critical topics. They include but are not limited to:

• Achieving a Hunger-Free World
  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Ajay Banga, and Roger Thurow (facilitator) discussed strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition, emphasizing the impact of climate change. They highlighted the role of public policy, development banks, and private partnerships. Notably, the African Development Bank’s "Climate Action Winding" project supports climate action for 20 million African farmers by providing climate information and insurance against climate disasters. The bank is also equipping young people with business skills through "Enable Youth in Agriculture," which connects them with venture capital.
• Bold Measures to Feed Africa
  • Facilitated by Victor Oladokun, this session explored efforts by the International Fund for Agricultural Development to support small-scale farmers. Hon. Gerardine Mukeshimana emphasized the potential of nutrient-rich, underutilized crops like sorghum and pigeon peas. The Mastercard Foundation’s "Community Passage" platform was also discussed; this digital platform connects farmers with manufacturers, seed buyers, and lenders, empowering small farmers by enhancing their visibility and value in the market.
• Live with the Laureates: The Power of Biodiversity in Feeding the World
  • Daphne Ewing-Chow moderated this session with 2024 World Food Prize Laureates Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin. They emphasized the need to preserve heritage seeds and focus on nutrition rather than mere sustenance. The historical account of Vilod’s sacrifice during World War II highlighted the importance of seed conservation. Discussions also covered how climate change affects biodiversity and the role of genetics and plant breeding in adapting crops to changing environments.4. Cultivating Gold: Collaboration and Youth Empowerment in Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Robert J. Jones, and Jim Snee shared personal stories of community motivation and giving back. The JJK Foundation, founded by Joyner-Kersee, supports youth in St. Louis, and its partnership with the University of Illinois offers educational opportunities in food and nutrition. Plans for an Innovation Center, set to open in Fall 2025, were also discussed.

The sessions, in all, highlighted a unified commitment to tackling global hunger and malnutrition through innovative solutions, empowerment, and collaboration with private stakeholders. Leveraging biodiversity and agricultural technologies to foster youth entrepreneurship and interest in farming, and also strengthening and equipping small-scale farmers.

Networking and Connections

The dialogue provided an excellent networking platform, beginning with a welcome dinner. I connected with professors, experts in my field, stakeholders and plant breeders, establishing valuable connections via LinkedIn, business cards, and phone calls. These contacts will be instrumental for students in International Agriculture and Development at Penn State.

Personal Reflections and Key Takeaways

Attending the World Food Prize Dialogue was inspiring. Listening to personal stories and sharing my research broadened my perspective on global food security challenges. I believe this event is invaluable for students in agriculture, offering deep insights, networking opportunities, and practical inspiration. Highlights for me included Soon-Kwon Kim’s dedication to development, the legacy of the Ruan Family, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s story. Dr. Borlaug’s words, “Take it to the farmer,” resonated, emphasizing the importance of applied research and effective communication with those we aim to help.

Key takeaway from this event can be stated as follows:

• The essential role of women in children’s nutrition
• The importance of seed biodiversity: “No seed, no farmer, no nation, and no food
  security” – Stella Thomas
• The need for private investors in agriculture and clean energy in Africa
• Youth empowerment in agriculture

Conclusion

The 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue emphasized efforts to reduce hunger, not only by filling stomachs but by providing nutritious meals. Youth empowerment, value addition, private sector collaboration, innovation, and community-based approaches were all underscored as vital in tackling food security, particularly in Africa.

Prepared by
Mary Tutuola Akingbasote