The eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum on Thursday held a sub-forum on "Agricultural Sustainable Development in the Global South," marking the first time the topic has been included on its agenda.

Discussions focused on food security, agricultural technology, trade and investment, and rural transformation in developing countries. Participants said advancing sustainable agriculture in the Global South is vital to ensuring food security, protecting the environment and supporting global economic growth.

Nobel chemistry laureate and Stanford University professor Michael Levitt said biodiversity and scientific innovation are key to future agricultural development, adding that artificial intelligence will play a critical role in reshaping agricultural science. He said China's innovation under land constraints, particularly in precision agriculture and biofertilizers, offers valuable experience for other nations.

Zhao Bing, representative and country director of the World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, said the forum's focus on the Global South reflected growing awareness that food security requires collective action. "It's not just the responsibility of farmers or scientists," Zhao said. "We need participation from all sectors to tackle these challenges together."

Many participants also noted that China's experience in agricultural modernization offers valuable lessons for developing countries.

Michele Umulisa, chief investment officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said China's openness and support are essential for inclusive growth. "You can't talk about agriculture and trade in the Global South without Africa," she said. "We're here to ensure our voices are heard and to shape the path forward together."

In recent years, under China's Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, projects such as hybrid rice promotion, technology exchange and smallholder training have helped boost sustainable agricultural development in many developing countries.

Bai Lianyang, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said China is sharing its technologies and expertise to help partners build their own capacity. "We train local experts so that our technology becomes their technology," he said. "That's how sustainable development can take root."

Thursday's event was hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and co-organized by the Agricultural and Rural Programming Center of China Media Group and Peking University's School of Modern Agriculture. It brought together more than 20 international speakers and over 300 representatives from Chinese agricultural institutions and enterprises.