Themed "Innovating Agrifood, Sharing Future," the 2023 World Agrifood Innovation Conference opened in Pinggu, Beijing, on Nov. 2.

The three-day conference attracts scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world to share innovative ideas, plans, technologies and achievements to promote global agricultural and economic development. It also provides a platform for them to seek cooperation with each other.

On the first day of the conference, apart from a general meeting for all participants of the event, four forums were also held on agricultural university, agricultural sci-tech innovation investment, entrepreneurs and international agricultural exchanges and cooperation, along with five parallel discussions on young people, food and nutrition, environment and sustainable development, low carbon agriculture and smart agriculture.

In his speech at the agricultural university forum, Sun Qixin, president of China Agricultural University, highlighted the importance of agrifood system.

"The agrifood system is an important carrier to promote global food security and nutrition security," Sun said. "In the future, the global and national agrifood system need to be become more nutritious, healthy, green, low-carbon and efficient, and in the process innovation should plays a key role."

In the discussions of young people, about 150 representatives from all over the world shared their thoughts on economic policy, natural science and innovation and entrepreneurship. And they also discussed the future development trend of agriculture with top scientists, entrepreneurs and educators around the world.

A collaborative center for sustainable development and climate action in the agrifood industry was also founded in Beijing on the first day of the conference.

The World Agrifood Innovation Conference is a world-class forum which promotes international dialogue and exchange in agrifood science and technological innovation. The 2023 WAFI event is hosted by the Beijing Municipal People's Government, and is organized by China Agricultural University, the People's Government of Pinggu District, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and CGIAR.