DES MOINES, Iowa —

The World Food Prize has kicked off its weeklong initiative in Des Moines, gathering international leaders, experts and scientists to discuss critical issues facing global food security.

The 2025 Norman Borlaug International Dialogue features dozens of speakers, including the president of Ghana and government officials from Liberia and Sierra Leone. This year's theme is "SOILutions for Security." It's meant to highlight how different industries can work together to address challenges from the ground up.

On Thursday, the World Food Prize will also present its Laureate Award which often draws more than 800 people from more than 75 different countries.

Outside the World Food Prize Hall, a new statue has been unveiled in honor of former chairman John Ruan III. He joined

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