The World Bank Group Executive Directors and CGIAR leadership held a 90-minute high-level roundtable on April 13, 2026, to discuss the future of food, land, and water systems. Moderated by Nathalie Francken, the meeting brought together representatives from multiple countries, including Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, alongside senior leaders from CGIAR and its research centers such as CIMMYT, IFPRI, and CIP.
Participants emphasized that food, land, and water systems are no longer just sectoral issues but critical macroeconomic priorities that directly affect global stability and development. The discussion reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the World Bank Group and CGIAR, established in 1971 with the aim of using agricultural science to reduce poverty and hunger. This collaboration has generated an estimated $1.34 trillion in economic benefits, highlighting a strong return on investment and the importance of scaling proven innovations more rapidly.
A key focus of the roundtable was the need to better connect CGIAR’s scientific research with World Bank operations and national policymaking. Leaders highlighted the World Bank Group’s role as a “Knowledge Bank” that can help translate agricultural science into practical solutions for farmers and communities facing climate, food, and water challenges.
The discussion centered on two major World Bank initiatives: AgriConnect and Water Forward. AgriConnect aims to link smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, with improved seeds, climate-smart farming practices, and digital advisory tools. Water Forward focuses on water productivity and basin management, with the potential to benefit over one billion people. Participants stressed that these initiatives must be grounded in farmer demand to ensure real-world impact.
The role of agricultural science infrastructure, particularly gene banks, was also highlighted as essential for global food security. These resources preserve biodiversity and support the development of resilient and nutritious crop varieties. Examples such as CGIAR-developed wheat and hybrid potato innovations demonstrated the scale and importance of scientific progress already contributing to global food systems.
The roundtable concluded with a shared recognition that strong partnerships, including with the private sector, are essential for scaling impact. CGIAR leadership emphasized that collaboration is key to reaching farmers at scale. The meeting ended with commitments to follow up through an action note and country-specific support packages aimed at strengthening implementation and impact on the ground.
