Wecome to this issue of the GFAR Update highlighting World Food Week!

FAO Headquarters was abuzz last week as the Committee on World Food Security (#CFS45), an inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders, met to shape policy that ensures food security and nutrition for all. Kicking off the week was the release of FAO's annual flagship publication, The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).

In this issue, we're sharing stories about exciting innovations in food, fighting hunger sustainably, and celebrating partners' work in agri-food innovation and research. 

Here are some of the highlights:

GFAR Secretariat welcomed four bright young researchers on the occasion of World Food Day to share their fascinating findings on what some cutting-edge food technologies and innovations mean for our future. A stimulating discussion followed about the policy environment needed to scale an innovation up and out.

GFAR and Impakter.com have recently launched an exciting new online media campaign: #GFARImpakters. Partners in GFAR are being invited to share written contributions on key topics related to their work with GFAR and involving other GFAR Partners that will enable the public at large to engage with and reflect more deeply upon their work and impacts. By taking part, Partners will raise awareness and further the public’s knowledge on issues of global importance for agri-food research and innovation.

During the week of 8-12 October, we ran a Partner Spotlight on Africa RISING highlighting many stories of demand-driven, locally-tailored, resource-saving agricultural innovations for sustainable intensification that improve household welfare and at the same time enhance sustainability. 

And earlier this month, GFAR was showcased at the Committee on Agriculture (#COAG26) as an innovation in partnership. Watch this short video for a snapshot of GFAR's work!

Mark Holderness, GFAR Executive Secretary, was invited to speak on GFAR's role in innovation for agricultural development at a COAG26 event showcasing the links between European Union support and the work of FAO.