By Central Bank of Barbados
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – How countries can harness innovation to strengthen food security while responding to the realities of climate change will be the focus of the 50th Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture, which takes place on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Frank Collymore Hall.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, renowned scientist, policymaker, and global thought leader, will deliver this year’s lecture titled “Feeding Tomorrow: Innovation Meets Climate Reality.”
“Climate change presents serious challenges for food systems, but it also creates opportunities,” said Novaline Brewster, director of communications, information and outreach at the Central Bank of Barbados, which sponsors the lecture.
“Through this lecture, we will examine how innovation –whether technological, policy-driven, or community-based – can help us enhance the region’s food systems while building climate resilience. Dr Kalibata’s experience at the intersection of science, governance, and sustainability makes her uniquely suited to lead this timely discussion.”
Dr Kalibata is Rwanda’s former minister of agriculture and animal resources and the former president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). A recognised advocate for agricultural transformation and sustainable growth, she has worked extensively with international partners to create policies that support small farmers, strengthen food systems, and drive innovation across developing economies.
The Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture honours Barbados’ first native governor-general and is the island’s longest-running lecture series. Over its 50-year history, it has featured some of the world’s most distinguished thinkers and leaders, former Nigerian Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is now director-general of the World Trade Organisation; technology guru and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa; economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato and artificial intelligence expert Dr Luis Videgaray.
This year’s milestone lecture is free and open to the public. Members of the public are invited to RSVP and participate in what promises to be a rich and relevant discussion.
