World Food Prize to Celebrate 40th Anniversary with Star-Studded 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue

WHAT: A who's who of agriculture, food security and sustainable development will gather in Des Moines for the 2026 Borlaug Dialogue, bringing together Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates, government ministers, activists, celebrities and more focusing on the ongoing food crisis and solutions across the sector. Among the headline speakers are Malala Yousafzai, Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein, TV and film stars Martin Sheen and Nick Offerman.

Themed "Before Hunger Wins," the 2026 event marks a decisive moment for the future of global food security. The Borlaug Dialogue is hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation and is named in honor of the historic legacy of Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug. It also features a formal award ceremony celebrating the 2026 World Food Prize Laureate and their role in fighting global hunger.

Journalists will have the opportunity to report on new funding announcements, cutting-edge research, influential policy debates and collaborations that will shape international food security efforts. Attendance gives exclusive access to leading voices and vital stories at the forefront of the global fight against hunger. This year's event will also feature a live world record attempt to package 600,000 meals for families facing food insecurity in one hour.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 20-Thursday, October 22, 2026

WHERE: Des Moines, Iowa, USA. The event venue is the Iowa Events Center (730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309). Accredited media can register for a complimentary ticket to attend in person here.

WHO: The Dialogue features high-level speakers, including:

Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba, Prime Minister of Tanzania
H.S.H. Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein, Chairwoman, Supervisory Board of the Liechtenstein Group
Hon. Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Uzbekistan & 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneer
Hon. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Republic of Ghana
Hon. Akinwumi Adesina, former President, African Development Bank & 2017 World Food Prize Laureate
QU Dongyu, Director-General, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Hon. Gérardine Mukeshimana, Vice-President, UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Meghan Hanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response, U.S. Department of State
Malala Yousafzai, education activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Huub Lelieveld, 2026 World Food Prize Laureate & Founder, Global Harmonization Initiative
Hon. Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation & former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, The Rockefeller Foundation
Martin Sheen, Award-winning Stage and Film Actor, Humanitarian
Nicholas Offerman, Actor, Author, Humorist and Woodworker
Cary Fowler, 2024 World Food Prize Laureate & former U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security
Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
Roger Thurow, Journalist and Author
Judd O'Connor, Executive Vice President, Seed Business Unit at Corteva Agriscience
Tej Dhawan, Managing Director at Plains Angels and 2946 Ventures
Travis Frey, Chief Technology Officer at Pivot Bio
Edgar Sandoval, President and Chief Executive Officer at World Vision

WHY: This year's Dialogue honors the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants from 60+ countries, representing more than 600 organizations across governments, NGOs, businesses and academia. A full agenda for the dialogue, Laureate award ceremony, breakout sessions, side events, exhibitor booths and special meetings is available online here.

Notes to editors:

For further information about the event, to register to attend, or to arrange any pre-event interviews/briefings, please contact:

Harvey Presence
Marchmont Communications
[email protected]
+44 0 7582 195497

Zachary Clemens
World Food Prize Foundation
[email protected]
515-381-7360