By Burnett Munthali
On Saturday, 21 September 2024, President Lazarus Chakwera sat as one of the esteemed panelists at the Columbia University World Leaders Forum, an event known as the Bollinger Convening. The forum, themed “Food for Humanity,” brought together world leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss the role of universities in promoting social research on sustainable, data-driven solutions to combat global food shortages.
The discussions centered around policy and governance frameworks aimed at empowering communities to translate research findings into practical food production strategies. President Chakwera used the platform to share insights into Malawi’s efforts to address food insecurity and highlighted some of the setbacks the country has faced in its quest to provide adequate food for its population.
In his address, Chakwera underscored the importance of agriculture as a pillar of his administration’s strategy to expedite economic growth. He discussed the critical role of agriculture in Malawi’s development and acknowledged that, despite the challenges, there is vast potential for the sector to drive economic transformation.
President Chakwera also took the opportunity to promote Malawi as an investment-ready destination for commercial agriculture. He emphasized the need for partnerships between governments, universities, and think tanks to develop innovative solutions for achieving food security for current and future generations. The president reiterated his administration’s determination to foster collaborations that will enhance sustainable agriculture and ensure long-term food security in the face of global challenges like climate change.
This engagement comes at a crucial time as Malawi, like many other nations, continues to face the impact of climate change and economic instability on food production. The discussions at the Bollinger Convening align with global calls for #ClimateActionNow and the shared vision for a sustainable future, as highlighted during the ongoing 79th United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA79).
In conclusion, President Chakwera’s participation at the Columbia University World Leaders Forum underscores Malawi’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and collaborating with global institutions to achieve food security for all.
