CEOs for Cities is excited to kick off our Welcome Reception at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates from 5-7p.m.
After the welcome reception, check out some suggested dining options around Des Moines.
About World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
As a special tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner and World Food Prize founder Dr. Norman Borlaug, and to provide an enduring foundation for all of the programs he created, the World Food Prize Foundation took on a $29.8 million capital project to restore the century-old Des Moines Public Library Building as the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates serves as:
- World-class museum to recognize great achievements in agriculture and fighting hunger;
- Convocation center at which to hold events during the World Food Prize International Symposium — the Borlaug Dialogue;
- Home for the expanding Global Youth Institute, which aims to inspire the next generation of leaders;
- Educational facility featuring interactive displays on hunger and food security;
- Conference center and event space available to other groups and organizations for their meetings and other activities.
This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security. Dr. Borlaug is honored for his role as the Father of the Green Revolution and the man who has saved more than one billion lives with his innovations in agriculture. The building also pays tribute to the World Food Prize Laureates and Iowa’s agricultural and humanitarian pioneers for their significant contributions to the global fight against hunger and helping to feed the world and improve the lives of others.
Thanks to the vision of the State Legislature of Iowa, the support of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, the cooperation of the City of Des Moines, and the generosity of our sponsors, we have preserved and restored one of Iowa’s grand, historic buildings – the old Des Moines Public Library Building – so it may serve as the home of the World Food Prize, as well as a monument honoring those who have made efforts toward alleviating world hunger.