A delegation from BGI Group, led by Wang Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, recently attended the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Science Week event in Nairobi, Kenya, reinforcing the organization's commitment to advancing agricultural research and collaboration, particularly in the Global South.

During the event, Wang Jian met with CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi to discuss the latest advancements in agricultural technology and research. Their discussions culminated in a shared vision to deepen collaboration, develop innovative platforms, and empower research initiatives aimed at addressing global food security challenges.

Ismahane Elouafi (fourth from right), Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, meets with Wang Jian (third from right), Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BGI Group, and his delegation.

Speaking at the event, Wang emphasized the importance of fostering South-South cooperation to accelerate crop breeding and enhance food security. He highlighted BGI Group's cutting-edge sequencing technologies and AI capabilities, which have the potential to digitalize millions of germplasm resources worldwide. These digital resources, when coupled with global partnerships, can drive the transformation of agricultural and food systems.

Wang Jian speaks at the CGIAR Science Week event.

Xu Xun, Executive Director of BGI Group and Director of BGI-Research, participated in a roundtable discussion, underscoring how collaboration with CGIAR will accelerate the digitalization of germplasm resources, expedite crop breeding, and strengthen the resilience of food systems in developing countries. Xu highlighted BGI’s genomic technologies and advanced platforms as key to breeding climate-resilient crops, which are essential for bolstering agricultural production across the Global South.

Xu Xun (first from right) speaks during a roundtable discussion.

Ismahane recognized China’s contributions to agricultural science and technology within the framework of South-South cooperation. She noted that Chinese institutions, including BGI Group, have played a pivotal role in advancing Sino-African agricultural collaboration.

To explore new opportunities in agriculture and biodiversity conservation, BGI Group and CGIAR co-hosted a thematic side event that attracted over 100 international experts to discuss agricultural genomics, AI breeding, and perennial rice.

Wang Jian highlighted BGI’s partnership with African institutions to promote perennial rice, a groundbreaking crop with high yields and resistance to drought and diseases. This innovation is being actively promoted in Uganda, Rwanda, and Madagascar, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Africa.

Xu Xun delivered a presentation at a side event co-hosted by BGI Group and CGIAR.

Xu Xun also delivered a presentation titled "Agricultural Genomics and Game-Changing Innovations," showcasing BGI’s collaboration with the African Orphan Crops Consortium, supported by the African Union. This initiative involves sequencing 101 traditional crops and developing climate-resilient varieties to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address food crises.

A BGI Group representative explains the organization’s innovative technologies to visitors.

BGI’s innovative technologies, including multi-omics solutions and perennial rice, were prominently displayed during the event. These innovations garnered significant interest from prominent institutions such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), International Potato Center (CIP), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice).

In addition to participating in the CGIAR event, Wang Jian and the BGI Group delegation visited several international science research institutes. These visits aimed to explore future collaborations in agricultural research, capacity sharing, and innovative outreach.

Looking ahead, BGI Group remains committed to advancing global cooperation in crop breeding and biodiversity conservation. By joining forces with international partners, the organization aims to contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural development, helping to build a more resilient and prosperous global agricultural ecosystem.