Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, the current Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), is set to assume her new role as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in mid-November 2024. With over 30 years of experience in agricultural research, Dr. Hughes brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development.
Extensive Experience in Global Agricultural Research
Dr. Hughes is a renowned plant virologist with a PhD from Reading University in the UK. Her career has spanned several leadership roles in prominent agricultural organizations across Africa and Asia. Known for her dedication to sustainable agriculture, she has worked extensively on addressing challenges faced by some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Dr. Hughes’s background includes collaboration with national partners in Ghana and significant roles in agricultural institutes, providing her with a deep understanding of the diverse issues in agriculture worldwide.
Contributions to Agricultural Innovation
Throughout her career, Dr. Hughes has advocated for integrating modern technologies, such as remote sensing and digitalization, in agriculture. She is also committed to promoting gender equity and ethical intellectual property practices. Her unique approach focuses on creating global impact through local solutions and adapting global strategies for regional benefit.
- COP29 Climate Summit: The U.S. Role Under Trump and the Future of Global Climate Action
- Civil Registration System: Government Launches Mobile App for Birth and Death Registration
- Deepak Agarwal Appointed as Regular MD of NAFED
- Amit Shah Flags Off ‘Run for Unity’ to Honor Sardar Patel on National Unity Day
- Indian Hockey Legend Rani Rampal Retires: A Historic Journey and a Legacy to Inspire
Leading ICRISAT Through Significant Milestones
During her tenure at ICRISAT, headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Hughes made remarkable strides, even during the global pandemic. Under her leadership, ICRISAT received the prestigious Africa Food Prize in 2021, honoring its impact on agricultural development in dryland regions. In 2022, the Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, and in 2023, Dr. Hughes represented ICRISAT at the G20 agriculture meetings in New Delhi. Additionally, she co-chaired the International Steering Committee for the United Nations’ International Year of Millets, underscoring her commitment to agricultural innovation.
Vision for the World Agriculture Forum
Rudy Rabbinge, Chairman of the World Agriculture Forum, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Hughes’s appointment, noting, “Dr. Hughes brings to the World Agriculture Forum a wealth of experience and a commitment to agricultural innovation that is critical to achieving our mission. Her proven ability to deliver impactful results and her deep understanding of the international agricultural landscape will strengthen WAF’s role as a leader in food and nutrition security.”
In her new role as Secretary General, Dr. Hughes will focus on strengthening partnerships, advancing technological solutions in agriculture, and ensuring that WAF is well-prepared to meet the global sector’s evolving needs.
About the World Agriculture Forum (WAF)
The World Agriculture Forum is a global platform that connects stakeholders across agriculture, including governments, farmers, agribusinesses, and development organizations, to drive sustainable agricultural growth. WAF’s mission is to promote food security and transform agriculture through policy advocacy, trade support, and technology-driven solutions. The organization prioritizes innovation, public-private partnerships, and resilience in food systems, working toward a sustainable and food-secure future.
Moving Forward with Global Agricultural Impact
Dr. Hughes’s appointment as Secretary General of WAF reflects the Forum’s commitment to addressing global food and nutrition security. Her experience in sustainable agriculture, technological integration, and global partnerships will play a crucial role in positioning WAF as a leader in agricultural transformation.
