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Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, the outgoing Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), will assume the role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) later this month. 

Career and Expertise

Renowned for her expertise in sustainable agriculture, Dr. Hughes has led groundbreaking work in enhancing agricultural practices for semi-arid regions. Her vast experience positions her to advance WAF’s mission of fostering agricultural innovation and global cooperation to address emerging challenges in the sector.

Strategic Focus at WAF

As Secretary General, Dr. Hughes will work on building alliances and promoting innovative solutions to support sustainable agriculture worldwide. Key areas of focus include strengthening collaborative efforts across nations and deploying strategies to address climate resilience and food security in agriculture.

Distinguished Background

A respected plant virologist, Dr. Hughes also has significant contributions in digitalization, remote sensing, and gender equity within agricultural science. Her interests lie in integrating modern technology, upholding plant quarantine standards, and promoting the ethical use of intellectual property to improve global agricultural outcomes. Dr. Hughes’ transition to WAF signals a commitment to fostering sustainable growth in agriculture and addressing critical global food system challenges.

Read more: WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024