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WHAT: The World Food Prize Foundation has opened registration for the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, convening under the theme Before Hunger Wins, marking a decisive moment for the future of global food security.
Hunger presses forward, extending its reach across global landscapes shaped by intensifying conflict, climate volatility and deepening inequality. From active war zones to fragile states destabilized by unrest, food systems are being strained at every level.
At the same time, fragmented governance and shifting public policies—often non-unifying and inconsistent across borders—undermine long-term progress and weaken coordinated responses. Trust in science and innovation wavers at the very moment when both are needed most. And yet, at no other point in history have we possessed the knowledge, tools and human capacity to nourish everyone. The paradox of the moment is unmistakable: abundance and scarcity now exist side by side. Possibility and collapse stand within reach of the same horizon.
Safe, nutritious and reliable food for all is not a given—it requires sustained commitment, adequate resources, cutting-edge innovation, resilient systems and real accountability.
This year honors the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize. Forty years later, the work remains unfinished. The choices we make today will shape who eats, who is nourished and who thrives across the globe for generations. Before hunger wins, we must.
There will be a number of opportunities to engage throughout the event outside of main stage programming. Those opportunities include:
Meet Me at the Dialogue
Meet Me at the Dialogue is a 90-minute networking welcome reception providing participating organizations a high-visibility platform and opportunity to connect with hundreds of attendees to kick off the Borlaug Dialogue. Whether you are looking to build partnerships, share your mission or connect with new collaborators, Meet Me at the Dialogue is a strategic and impactful way to be engaged at one of the most influential gatherings in global food security.
Side Events
Planned and executed by partners, side events bring new perspectives and formats to food and agricultural topics. These events are integral, showcasing unique work, fostering dialogue and engaging attendees. Side events before Borlaug Dialogue sessions begin on October 21 and 22 and in the evening following mainstage sessions on October 21.
Exhibits
Exhibit booths at the Borlaug Dialogue provide a welcoming space where attendees begin their experience, exploring the diverse opportunities presented by partners. Both standard and premium exhibitor booth options are available. Premium exhibit booths will be placed just outside the main stage doors, offering an opportunity for greater visibility and engagement for the duration of the Borlaug Dialogue.
Special Meetings
Organizations wishing to host a board meeting or workshop for a private group during the week of the Borlaug Dialogue, are invited to take advantage of our exclusive venue options. Whether you need a sophisticated boardroom or a dynamic workshop space, reserving a special meeting ensures that your event will be seamlessly integrated into the larger framework of the week’s events.
More information on registering, opportunities to engage and how to plan your trip can be found at HERE.
WHEN: October 20-22, 2026
WHERE: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Hotel and Travel
The Foundation has organized a room block at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown Hotel to accommodate Borlaug Dialogue attendees. The room block is first-come, first-serve, and space is limited. Book early to reserve your room. The skywalk system connects the Hilton to the Iowa Events Center. In addition to the Hilton, there are a number of other hotels and accommodations available, and the nearest airport is the Des Moines International Airport.
WHO: The 2026 Borlaug Dialogue will offer a wide variety of featured speakers: renowned scientists, business leaders, policy makers, farmers, students and innovators. Confirmed speakers include:
Hon. Roza Fatch Mbilizi | Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Republic of Malawi
Hon. J. Alexander Nuetah | Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia
David Beckmann | 2010 World Food Prize Laureate, Coordinator, Circle of Protection
Sharon Burke | Chief Engagement Officer, CIMMYT
H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn | Board Chair, AGRA
Cary Fowler | 2024 World Food Prize Laureate, President, Food Security Leadership Council
Louise Fresco | President Emeritus, Wageningen University & Research Executive Board
Linda Funk | Executive Director, The Soyfoods Council
Donald Gee | Comedian, World Food Prize Foundation Youth Programs Alum
Neal Gutterson | Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Radicle Growth
Lawrence Haddad | 2018 World Food Prize Laureate, Executive Director, The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
Muhammad Ibrahim | Director General, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Anil Jain | Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jain Irrigation Systems
Huub Lelieveld | 2026 World Food Prize Laureate, Founder, Global Harmonization Initiative
Muneerah Merchant | Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation USA
Anna Nelson | Executive Director, Food Security Leadership Council
Paul Newnham | 2024 Top Agri-food Pioneer, Chief Executive Officer, SDG2 Advocacy Hub
Giles Oldroyd | 2024 Top Agri-food Pioneer, President, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Alice Ruhweza | President, AGRA
Roger Thurow | Journalist and Author
Jason Wargent | 2024 Top Agri-food Pioneer, Founder and Chief Science Officer, BioLumic
Michael Werz | Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
WHY: At the Borlaug Dialogue, the most critical conversations are taking place. Leaders and innovators are charting solutions, sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of hunger fighters. It is where ideas become commitments and commitments become action.
Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug and the founding vision of the World Food Prize, the Borlaug Dialogue is not just a convening. It is a beacon, an inspiration to people who will bring arid lands to life, break cycles of hunger and poverty and beat down the barriers to our most basic needs. In the words of Dr. Borlaug, “Food is the moral right of all who are born unto this world.”