|
Strengthening
Public-Private Partnerships:
CGIAR Featured at CEO's Roundtable
"CGIAR's Private Sector Committee is working hard
to strengthen and enhance public-private partnerships,
both within the CGIAR and beyond," said Usha Barwale-Zehr,
Chairman, CGIAR Private Sector Committee (PSC) while
briefing a group of CEO's and business leaders from
the agricultural sector about the ongoing CGIAR reforms.
The meeting, held at the World Bank, is part of an ongoing
dialogue on implications of agricultural science and
technology for sustainable development and poverty reduction,
and was hosted by Mr. James D. Wolfensohn, President
of The World Bank Group in January 2004.
The objective was to assess progress made since the
last dialogue held in 2000, benefit from current private
sector perspectives, and raise awareness about new initiatives
and programs underway in the private
sector, World Bank Group and CGIAR.
In addition to Barwale-Zehr, Sam Dryden and Mumeka
Wright (PSC Members); Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, and
Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director participated
in the meeting.
Barwale-Zehr highlighted three activities being undertaken
by PSC to strengthen collaboration with CGIAR:
- Participating in CGIAR Challenge Programs
- Developing and launching a scientific exchange program
- Establishing delivery systems and communication initiatives
on current agricultural issues
Participants were then given an overview of the World
Bank's new rural development strategy, "Reaching
the Rural Poor," and provided with an update on
"Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology
for Development." The industry recognized that
the new strategy encourages a shift from a purely public
sector-driven agriculture system to one that operates
on public-private partnerships. The strategy also commits
the World Bank to helping developing countries access
information about various technology options for increasing
agricultural productivity. The broader issues impacting
agriculture such as rural credit and financing, market
access, infrastructure, intellectual property and regulatory
environments in countries were also highlighted.
Dr. Gordon Conway, President, The Rockefeller Foundation,
outlined the successful launch of the African Agricultural
Technology Foundation (AATF), a new initiative where
public-private partnerships are key to serving the needs
of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. It was
pointed out that several private sector companies are
already participating in technology transfer programs
in the region.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with reaffirmations
of the commitment to seek opportunities for productive
collaboration on projects and programs that will help
farmers in developing countries to improve their livelihoods
and benefit from the new technologies. Mr. Wolfensohn's
remark that "CGIAR is a gem" reconfirmed World
Bank support. The CGIAR reforms are providing clear
opportunities where private sector organizations are
interested in participating. All present agreed that
such discussions are valuable and more regular interaction
was desirable.
|
