Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi to Address Hunger Tipping Point

What's Happening?

Global agricultural leaders, policymakers, scientists, and farmers are gathering in New Delhi for the DialogueNEXT conference, a two-day event focused on accelerating innovations to secure the world's food future. Hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation in partnership with CIMMYT, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the conference aims to ensure transformative agricultural solutions reach farmers, particularly in the Global South. The event celebrates India's legacy of agricultural innovation and showcases its leadership in global food systems. Key sessions will address issues such as South-South collaboration, farmer-centered innovations, and smallholder harvests.

Why It's Important?

The DialogueNEXT conference is crucial as it addresses the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet the food demands of a growing global population, projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. With more than 150 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates warning of a potential hunger tipping point, the conference emphasizes increased investment in agricultural research and innovation. India's role as a leader in agricultural transformation positions it as a hub for smallholder agriculture innovation, which is vital for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and access across the agri-food value chain.

What's Next?

The DialogueNEXT conference is part of a global series leading up to the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, scheduled for October 21-23, 2025. This series aims to build momentum and foster collaboration among stakeholders to address global food security challenges. The conference will continue to focus on farmer-first agendas and cross-sector collaboration, laying the groundwork for action-oriented outcomes that can be scaled globally.

Beyond the Headlines

The conference highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of agricultural innovation, emphasizing the importance of smallholder farmers in the global food system. It underscores the need for systemic solutions and partnerships to address complex challenges posed by emerging global megatrends. By focusing on cutting-edge science and innovations, the event seeks to transform agriculture into a sustainable and inclusive sector that benefits all stakeholders.