Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food Security Program
Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh is the director of the Global Food Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she analyzes the economic, political, social, and environmental drivers and consequences of food insecurity in the United States and around the world. Her specific areas of focus include the impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine on global food security, the relationship of food security to climate change and water security, food insecurity in the U.S. military, and malnutrition in all its forms. Prior to joining CSIS, Ms. Welsh had over a decade of experience in the U.S. government, including the National Security Council and National Economic Council, where she served as director for global economic engagement with responsibility for the G7 and G20, and the Department of State’s Office of Global Food Security, where she served as acting director. Ms. Welsh served as a presidential management fellow at the U.S. African Development Foundation and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. She has testified before Congress on global food security on multiple occasions, and her analysis has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, NPR, PBS, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Financial Times, Foreign Policy, BBC, Newsweek, and other outlets. Ms. Welsh received her BA from the University of Virginia and MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and hails from Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Mitigating Risk and Capturing Opportunity: The Future of Alternative Proteins

Global meat consumption is projected to rise in the coming decades, exacerbating risks and vulnerabilities of global food systems. Experts examine the role of alternative proteins in strengthening U.S. food systems, biosecurity, and economic resilience. 

Report by Zane Swanson , Caitlin Welsh , and Joseph Majkut — May 11, 2023

Digital Report Launch: The Future Appetite for Alternative Proteins

The Global Food Security Program and the Energy Security and Climate Change Program launched their newest digital report, "Alternative Proteins for Global Food Security," featuring experts from the USDA, Schmidt Futures, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Barclays, and the Good Food Institute.

Event by Caitlin Welsh , Joseph Majkut , Sanah Baig , Genevieve Croft , Jon Bateman , Matt Spence , and Bruce Friedrich — May 4, 2023

The Future Appetite for Alternative Proteins

As many countries seek more sustainable and resilient means of food production, alternative proteins may offer a solution.

Digital Report by Caitlin Welsh , Joseph Majkut , and Zane Swanson — May 4, 2023

The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: An Armchair Discussion with Dr. Lauren Phillips and Dr. Vanya Slavchevska

Please join the CSIS Global Food Security Program as we welcome Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director, and Vanya Slavchevska, Social Policy Officer, of the UN FAO's Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division for this in-depth discussion on the path to addressing gender inequalities in food systems.

Event by Caitlin Welsh , Lauren Phillips , and Vanya Slavchevska — April 24, 2023

Investments in the Future: Reversing the Dire State of Maternal Nutrition

Over one billion women and adolescent girls suffer from undernourishment. What consequences does this have on maternal and child health? What is needed to improve the dire state of global maternal nutrition?

Critical Questions by Anita Kirschenbaum , Zane Swanson , and Caitlin Welsh — April 14, 2023

Russia, Ukraine, and Global Food Security: A One-Year Assessment

Russia’s devastation of Ukraine’s agriculture sector has upended global agricultural markets, food security, and nutrition, increasing costs for food-importing countries and humanitarian organizations. One year later, how has the world responded and what more can be done?

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh — February 24, 2023