As the world contends with rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, soil depletion, and growing hunger, one fact becomes inescapable: humanity is standing at a crossroads.
The crises we face—climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and deepening socio-economic inequality—are no longer future projections. They are unfolding now, altering ecosystems and disrupting lives, particularly in regions least equipped to respond.
Against this stark backdrop, over 13,000 scientists, policymakers, development experts, and youth leaders gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, from April 7–11, 2025, for the inaugural CGIAR Science Week. Co-hosted by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the event was held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)—a fitting venue for a gathering that sought global answers to global problems.
A Moment of Global Significance
CGIAR Science Week was more than a scientific summit; it was a vibrant convergence of minds, missions, and movements. With participants from over 100 countries, the week served as a crucible of collaboration, highlighting the role of science and innovation in shaping a sustainable future for food, land, and water systems.
At the heart of the week was the unveiling of the CGIAR 2025–2030 Research Portfolio. Backed by an estimated $6–12 billion, this ambitious plan aims to drive climate-resilient agriculture, support smallholder farmers, and develop nature-positive solutions that can be scaled globally—particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where vulnerability is high and resources are often scarce.
From Vision to Action
Each day of the event featured high-level plenaries tackling urgent themes—from regional integration and innovation to agricultural resilience and the role of cutting-edge technologies like AI in food systems.
Panels spotlighted pressing concerns: How can agriculture adapt to climate extremes? What role does youth leadership play in innovation? How can we make agricultural policy more inclusive and research more impactful?
Amidst these global discussions, institutions from the Global South were not only present—they were central. The Somaliland Institute of Agricultural Research (SIAR), represented by Mr. Mohamed Farah, viewed its participation not as symbolic, but as strategic. The event offered valuable exposure to cutting-edge research, opened doors to potential collaborations, and ensured that Somaliland had a seat at the table where global agricultural policy is being shaped.
Science with a Human Face
Importantly, CGIAR Science Week did not confine innovation to elite laboratories. The event emphasized inclusive science—solutions informed by farmers, community leaders, and young researchers working on the ground.
Gender equality, youth inclusion, and local empowerment emerged as cross-cutting themes throughout the week. By recognizing that sustainable change must be locally grounded and globally supported, the event challenged outdated top-down models and embraced a more participatory, people-centered approach to research and development.
Sowing Seeds for the Future
As climate disruptions intensify, the stakes could not be higher. But the spirit of CGIAR Science Week was not one of despair—it was one of determination. The event sent a clear message: solutions exist, but they require urgency, unity, and unwavering investment in science.
The conversations begun in Nairobi must now translate into action—through strengthened institutions, funded partnerships, and policies rooted in evidence and equity. For institutions like SIAR, the journey ahead includes applying what was learned, continuing to build global relationships, and scaling innovations that can secure livelihoods and ecosystems in Somaliland and beyond.
Conclusion: A Defining Chapter Begins
CGIAR Science Week 2025 was not just a gathering. It was a watershed moment—a reflection of our shared challenges and a blueprint for shared solutions. As the world stands at this critical juncture, the Nairobi summit showed that a different future is possible—one where science, solidarity, and shared purpose guide the way forward.
Now, the task is to keep the momentum alive. Because in this fight for the future, the time to act is not tomorrow—it’s today.
By Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi
