Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, to Assume Role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

Media Release

Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), headquartered in Hyderabad, India
Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), headquartered in Hyderabad, India

Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, outgoing Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is set to take up the role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum in mid-November 2024. Her extensive career, marked by groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, equips her to steer the Forum towards its mission.

Dr Hughes has over 30 years’ experience in agricultural research for development and is highly regarded for her leadership in tackling the pressing global challenges of food insecurity, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Trained in the United Kingdom, Dr Hughes holds a PhD from Reading University and began her career with postdoctoral work before working with national partners in Ghana. Throughout her career, Dr Hughes has held international leadership positions in prestigious agricultural institutes across Africa and Asia, equipping her with a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these regions.

A distinguished plant virologist, Dr Hughes has strong interests in remote sensing, digitalisation, and gender equity. She continues to champion the integration of modern technologies, plant quarantine best practices, and the ethical use of intellectual property to enhance agricultural outcomes. Dr Hughes believes in both working locally for global impact and working globally for local impact.

As Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Hughes adeptly led the Institute through the global pandemic, achieving significant milestones despite unprecedented challenges. Under her leadership, ICRISAT was honoured with the Africa Food Prize 2021 and welcomed the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the Institute’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2022. Dr Hughes further strengthened ICRISAT’s influence as a leader in dryland agriculture in 2023, actively participating in the agriculture meetings of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi and serving as co Chair of the International Steering Committee for the United Nations’ International Year of Millets.

Rudy Rabbinge, Chairman of the World Agriculture Forum, remarked: “Dr Hughes brings to the World Agriculture Forum a wealth of experience and a commitment to agricultural innovation that is critical to achieving our mission. Her proven ability to deliver impactful results, her deep understanding of the international agricultural landscape, and her vision for sustainable intensification will strengthen the World Agriculture Forum’s position as a leader and partner in addressing food and nutrition security worldwide.”

As Secretary General, Dr Hughes will focus on strengthening alliances and advancing innovative solutions in agriculture, ensuring the World Agriculture Forum is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the sector globally. Her appointment is a testament to WAF’s commitment to bringing visionary leaders on board.

About the World Agriculture Forum:

WAF is a global platform connecting diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable agricultural development through policy advocacy, trade facilitation, and technology-driven solutions. WAF unites governments, farmers, agribusinesses, experts, and development institutions to bridge implementation gaps and drive food systems transformation, supporting the smallholder farmers, agro-ventures, and value chains development for a resilient, food-secure future. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and public-private partnerships, WAF is committed to transforming agriculture worldwide.

For more information, please contact:
R. Sophia
Media Coordinator
World Agriculture Forum
info@worldagricultureforum.com

Tahira Carter

Tahira Carter

Head – Communications

 

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on the 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has extended the status of a specified “International Organisation” to ICRISAT under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Our offices:

Asia: India (Headquarters - Hyderabad)

East and Southern Africa:  Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

West and Central Africa: Mali, Niger, Nigeria

For all media inquiries, please email: info.comms@icrisat.org

Contact

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

+917207953350

info.comms@icrisat.org

www.icrisat.org