TRACE-RICE actively participated in the International Rice Congress 2023 (IRC 2023), a gathering of global experts in rice science and technology. The event, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Philippines, brought together influential figures from academia, private companies, and research institutions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States. These diverse stakeholders, including both the audience and keynote speakers, set the tone for discussions covering the entire rice value chain — from rice farmers and millers to marketers and consumers. Under the central theme 'Accelerating Transformation of Rice-Based Food Systems: From Gene to Globe,' IRC 2023 spotlighted innovative solutions to address pressing issues related to agriculture and climate change, food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, and human and economic development. The contributions and insights shared during the congress aimed to foster positive transformations within the rice industry and its interconnected global systems.