In 2100, the world’s population is projected to reach between 11-12 billion people. This means that agriculture will need to supply 50% more food and threatens to use more land in order to do so. At the same time, addressing other important global problems – biodiversity conservation, climate change management and sustainable development – will also require substantial tracts of land. Can these competing objectives be met? How does the world prioritise issues of poverty, hunger, biodiversity and climate management?

A panel will consider the roles of various entities such as the United Nations, national governments, the private agricultural sector and rural smallholders in addressing these problems. It will also look at various approaches to solving challenges associated with technology, human rights, development and sustainability.   

Panel discussion with:

• Sir Charles Godfray, Professor of Population Biology and Director of the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford

• Hans Jöhr, Corporate Head of Agriculture, Nestlé

• Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Director, FAO Liaison Office to the United Nations Office at Geneva (moderator)

• Susanna Hecht, Professor of International History and Associated Faculty of the Centre for International Environment Studies, the Graduate Institute, Geneva

• Timothy Swanson, Professor of International Economics and Academic Co-Director of the Centre for International Environmental Studies, the Graduate Institute, Geneva

• Jonathan Woolley, Director, Quaker United Nations Office, Geneva

This event is organised in partnership with the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford, with the support of the Graduate Institute’s Centre for International Environmental Studies and the MAVA Foundation.