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Illustration representing AI applications for crop optimization

Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Crop Optimization

What if we could design crops to overcome environmental and biological threats, while producing more food? AI is helping researchers speed up timelines for crop research, and uncovering new possibilities to strengthen crops against future threats.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

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Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food and Water Security Program
Noam Unger

Noam Unger

Vice President, Global Development Department, Director, Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative and Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
Romina Bandura

Romina Bandura

Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
Oge Onubogu

Oge Onubogu

Director and Senior Fellow, Africa Program
Shreya Nath

Shreya Nath

Senior Fellow, Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics

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Reflections on UNGA 81

Join the CSIS Global Development Department as experts reflect on their recent experience at UNGA 81. 

Event — October 2, 2026

Is U.S. Economic Diplomacy Up To Speed?

As global competition intensifies, U.S. economic statecraft faces structural hurdles, requiring an examination of where State Deptartment structures fall short, explore fragmented agency expertise, and propose a new organizational model for effective modern strategy.

Event — September 18, 2026

Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Crop Optimization

What if we could design crops to overcome environmental and biological threats, while producing more food? AI is helping researchers speed up timelines for crop research, and uncovering new possibilities to strengthen crops against future threats.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Averting Crises

What if we could see future hunger sooner? AI-assisted food security early warning systems help experts analyze more data more quickly to anticipate threats sooner, and they equip decisionmakers with the insights to help mitigate harm and save lives.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

The Next Food Revolution: AI to Fight World Hunger

As pressures on global food systems grow, AI could transform how the world anticipates crises, develops improved crops, and produces food. CSIS experts explore how AI can help build a more food-secure world, and what is needed to fulfill its promise and mitigate its risks.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026