Global Gender Conference Set to Open in Cape Town: 500+ Leaders to Fast-Track Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems

Cape Town, South Africa — 6 October 2025

More than 500 global leaders in research, policy, and finance are set to gather in Cape Town tomorrow for the CGIAR Global Gender Conference 2025, a three-day event aimed at fast-tracking gender equality in food, land, and water systems. Hosted at the Century City Conference Centre from 7–9 October, the convening comes at a decisive global moment — with only five years remaining to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as the world prepares for the UN’s 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Themed “Accelerating Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems: Driving Solutions through Evidence and Learning,” the biennial conference is co-hosted by CGIAR’s Gender Equality and Inclusion, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Agriculture.

This year’s gathering signals a shift from diagnosing gender gaps to implementing evidence-based solutions, policy reforms, and investments that empower women and youth to lead transformation in agriculture, food systems, and water management.

“The evidence is undeniable: without gender equality, we cannot achieve resilient food, land, and water systems,” said Nicoline de Haan, Director of CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion. “This conference is about moving from evidence to action — ensuring that policies, investments, and partnerships are in place to amplify the leadership and contributions of women and youth, across Africa and globally.”

From Evidence to Investment

Conference discussions will focus on turning research into action by advancing women’s access to land, finance, technology, and markets. The platform will highlight scalable solutions and mobilize commitments from governments, private sector players, and multilateral institutions.

The event brings together leaders and experts from CGIAR, IWMI, FAO, the World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab, the Western Cape Government, and several national and local governments, alongside African farmer leaders, youth entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations. This diverse coalition aims to bridge science and policy to drive inclusive transformation.

Africa-Centred Innovation

At the core of this year’s programme is African-led innovation — spotlighting farmer innovators, youth-led enterprises, and community solutions addressing climate resilience and water management. Thematic tracks will explore social norm shifts, women’s empowerment at scale, resilience and livelihoods, leadership and inclusion, and youth empowerment.

According to the UN Women Gender Snapshot 2025, the urgency is clear. Fourteen percent of countries still lack gender mainstreaming mechanisms in water management, and by 2050, climate change could push 158.3 million more women and girls into extreme poverty while worsening food insecurity for an additional 236 million.

A Platform for Lasting Change

By combining global expertise with African leadership, the CGIAR Gender Conference aims to influence long-term policy, mobilize investments, and strengthen partnerships that continue well beyond the event.

As South Africa hosts the G20 Presidency, this gathering underscores Africa’s leadership in shaping inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems — systems that recognize the central role of women and youth in driving agricultural innovation and community resilience.

Join the Conversation

The CGIAR Gender Conference 2025 will be livestreamed across multiple channels:

• https://www.youtube.com/live/v1BBTwGmwwg
• https://www.youtube.com/live/7JfUil7RSVc
• https://www.youtube.com/live/sXqS1zc6n9g
• https://www.youtube.com/live/M-uV2PjE3UM

About CGIAR
CGIAR is a global research partnership dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resource management. Learn more at www.cgiar.org.

About IWMI
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a research-for-development organization working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to deliver water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change, and inclusive growth. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI operates across 55 countries and is a CGIAR Research Center. Visit www.iwmi.org.