Professor Philip Antwi-Agyei, a distinguished academic at the Department of Environmental Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been appointed to the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). This appointment comes under the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), marking a significant recognition of his expertise in the global food resilience and sustainability discourse. The expert report titled "Building Resilient Food Systems" will be presented at the 53rd Plenary Session of the CFS in October 2025.
The HLPE-FSN is the foremost scientific advisory body within the United Nations focused on evaluating complex issues related to global food security and nutrition. Professor Antwi-Agyei was chosen due to his extensive work in environmental science, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agricultural practices. His appointment signifies his invaluable contribution to understanding and addressing vulnerabilities in food systems while championing resilience-building strategies.
This acknowledgement of Prof. Antwi-Agyei’s work also highlights KNUST’s active participation in international efforts to support global food security and nutrition governance.
Prof. Antwi-Agyei’s Statement and Vision
“Addressing food insecurity remains a critical challenge for governments worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions rely on climate-sensitive sectors for their livelihoods," noted Prof. Antwi-Agyei. "Being selected as part of this High-Level Panel of Experts allows me to contribute my expertise to food systems resilience in an era marked by climate change. I am thrilled at this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with this interdisciplinary team on the report.”
Profile of a Leading Climate Scientist
Prof. Antwi-Agyei is not only an accomplished scholar but also serves as the Director of the Office of Grants and Research at KNUST. His academic pursuits are centred on climate change adaptation and sustainability science, employing innovative, multi-scale methodologies to analyse vulnerability and climate resilience across local, regional, and national levels. His research integrates spatial database analysis, ecological assessments, and participatory field approaches to illuminate how climate variability impacts food security and livelihoods.
Prof. Antwi-Agyei has earned numerous prestigious international grants. These include the Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement Fellowship funded by the UK’s Department for International Development and the African SWIFT project supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund. He also received the International Foundation for Science grant and has engaged with the Climate Research for Development initiative in collaboration with the African Climate Policy Centre and the UK Department for International Development. Furthermore, the Royal Society, London recognised Prof. Antwi-Agyei as a Fellow under the Future Leaders–Africa Independent Research and Collaboration Grants.
A Collaborative Global Panel
The HLPE-FSN panel, which selected members based on rigorous assessments of their technical expertise and regional insights, will be led by Alison Blay-Palmer, UNESCO Chair and Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. Prof. Blay-Palmer is celebrated for her extensive research in food systems, community resilience, and biodiversity. Other members joining Prof. Antwi-Agyei include experts with deep knowledge in health, nutrition, human rights, environmental sciences, and gender analysis. The diverse team features specialists such as Colin Anderson, Garima Bhalla, Lidia Cabral, and Tammara Soma, among others, ensuring a holistic approach to food security and agricultural vulnerabilities.
Prof. Antwi-Agyei’s inclusion in this team marks a significant step for Ghana and the broader African scientific community, positioning them at the forefront of global conversations on sustainable food systems and climate adaptation. The collective effort of this panel aims to produce impactful recommendations that will strengthen global food systems against future climate challenges.
