Annual General Meeting 2005: Strong Push for the CGIAR Research Agenda

The 2005 CGIAR Annual General Meeting (AGM’05), hosted by the Government of Morocco under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI, was held at the Palais des Congrès, Marrakech during December 5-8, 2005.

Science was at the front and center of AGM’05. The CGIAR Science Council was closely involved in developing the substantive program of the Stakeholder Meeting: Science Forum, “Global Agricultural Science for Impact” held at AGM’05. The program included 10 very popular parallel sessions focusing on the implementation of the system priorities and strengthening research for development capacities.

At the official opening ceremony on December 5, H.E. Prof. Harouchi Abderahim, Minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity represented H.E. Driss Jettou, Prime Minister of Morocco.

The Prime Minister’s statement conveyed strong support for scientific research and development of technology, and called for strengthening cooperation at the local, regional, and global levels including with the CGIAR. The statement also described the privileged position that agricultural research enjoys in the Kingdom of Morocco, with its emphasis on creating a cadre of researchers, increasing access to new scientific knowledge and networks of scientists working at the frontier of agriculture.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the screening of a CGIAR Public Service Announcement devoted to the fight against desertification and poverty that will be broadcast on CNN International and Moroccan television.

Other dignitaries attending the opening ceremony were H.E. Prof. Mouhattane Mohamed, State Secretary of Rural Development, H.E. Dr. Lhafi Abdeladim, High Commissioner for Forest and Desertification, the Wali (Mayor) of Marrakech, Mounir Chraibi, H.E. Venâncio Simão Massingue, Minister of Science and Technology of Mozambique, H.E. Habib Sy, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources of Senegal and H.E. Adel Safar, Minister of Agriculture of the Syrian Republic.

An inaugural Science for Global Impact Poster Exhibition, and over 70 information booths set up by CGIAR Centers, Challenge Programs, national programs and partners, demonstrated the ways in which science is being successfully mobilized for development.

On December 6, the Science Forum opened with a statement by H.E. Dr. Lhafi Abdeladim, High Commissioner for Forest and Desertification, Morocco.

In a strong, forward-looking speech, Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman noted the natural fit between the CGIAR and CWANA region where agriculture had its beginnings. He noted the broad international consensus that agricultural growth is a precondition for sustainable rural development and poverty alleviation, and challenged the CGIAR to do more to combat the new and emerging threats to agriculture such as Avian flu and a virulent form of stem rust, UG99, that is threatening global wheat production. He urged members to ponder the question: should the CGIAR develop the capacity to provide a rapid response to such issues when they arise so that they might be prevented from developing into major crises, while respecting its mandate? He asked members to consider actions that will further enhance the effectiveness of the CGIAR as a catalyst of research-based development, sharpen its focus on science, and move expeditiously on the programmatic and structural alignment issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director briefed members about developments in the CGIAR since AGM’04 held in Mexico City. He noted that with CGIAR investments in 2005 estimated to reach $475 million, the ever-evolving CGIAR is on a stable track. The rising trend in investments is projected to reach $489 million in 2006, making it the single-largest investment in public goods research directed at the needs of poor farmers. Additional reform efforts include strengthening of the human resources’ function, simplifying business procedures, promoting collective action by the Centers, improving governance, and strengthening and expanding partnerships with civil society and the private sector.

Three flagship publications – CWANA and the CGIAR: A Snapshot of a Successful Partnership, Scientists of the CGIAR, and Science for Agricultural Development: Changing Contexts, New Opportunities – were released at AGM’05.

Major highlights and decisions made at the business meeting of AGM’05 include:

• Approval of the System Priorities for CGIAR Research 2005-2015
• Agreement on the next steps for funding the system priorities
• Approval of 2006 Financing Plan at the level of $489 million
• Agreement on increased programmatic, corporate services and structural alignment among the Centers working in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond
• The final stage of the compensation study was presented and the next steps discussed
• Confirmation of a CSO forum at AGM’06, December 4 to 6 2006