Cape Town will welcome global leaders, researchers, and grassroots voices this October for a major conference on gender equality in agriculture and natural resource systems, as the world reflects on three decades since the landmark Beijing Declaration.
From 7–9 October 2025, the Gender in Food, Land and Water Systems Conference will take place at the Century City Conference Centre, co-hosted by CGIAR through its Accelerator on Gender Equality and Inclusion, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Agriculture.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Equality in Food, Land and Water Systems: Driving Solutions through Evidence and Learning,” the summit will convene policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders and representatives of Indigenous and marginalised communities. Organisers say the meeting, coinciding with South Africa’s G20 presidency, aims to bridge research, policy and practice to deliver solutions that ensure inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems.
Five focus themes will shape discussions: shifting gender and social norms; women’s empowerment at scale; resilience and livelihood innovations; leadership and inclusion; and youth empowerment. Evidence-based strategies and collaborative approaches will be presented to address long-standing inequalities and chart practical routes towards change.
The programme will feature high-profile figures in agriculture, gender and development. Speakers include Dr Nicoline de Haan, CGIAR’s director for Gender Equality and Inclusion; Dr Mark Smith, director general of IWMI; and Dr Mogale Sebopetsa of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. They will be joined by Ambassador Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, chair of the UN Committee on World Food Security; Surita Sandosham, president and CEO of Heifer International; Dr Michael O’Sullivan from the World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab; and experts from FAO, the Gates Foundation and Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture.
For organisers, the gathering is not just another conference but a call to action. “This is about co-creating solutions that accelerate gender equality in food, land and water systems,” said CGIAR. “From climate resilience and water scarcity to structural inequities, the issues demand science, innovation and inclusion.”
The Western Cape Government, as local host, has pledged to ensure outcomes are rooted in South African priorities and create lasting regional impact. Registration is now open, with standard rates available until 26 September.
