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News and Views From the Chair—CBC
The Committee of Board Chairs (CBC) works closely with
the System Office to enhance the corporate spirit between
the 16 independent Centers, Members, and Stakeholders
that together comprise the CGIAR System. For example,
we have:
- Developed model guidelines of grievance procedures
- Developed a process to increase Members' inputs into
the
selection of CGIAR nominees to Center Boards
- Established terms-of-reference for a comprehensive
study of remuneration packages across the Centers
- Developed a new board orientation programme that is
dynamic and in line with the changing needs of governance
We also want to add our collective voice to key issues
and
challenges confronting the CGIAR System. There are two
important advances that CBC believes are critical to
helping CGIAR fulfill its mission effectively and efficiently.
The first is the Science Council (SC), arguably the
most important driver of our science-based agricultural
research system, in addition to being its most important
"check and balance." CBC will continue to
work to maintain and strengthen the SC's role as a powerful
and independent source of advice to the System, operating
without fear or favor. The SC has some urgent tasks
on hand:
- More rigorous comparative analysis of Challenge Programs
- Developing performance indicators to increase System
effectiveness
- Completing the strategic planning and priority-setting
exercise
- Taking the lead in the proposed African Task Force
while ensuring that it is science-driven and recognizes
FARA as a key partner
The second is the evaluation of CGIAR by the World
Bank's Operations Evaluation Department (OED). CBC believes
the OED report is useful. We are prepared to contribute
to the reforms recommended in the paper. On organizational
structure, we urge that the federation model proposed
earlier be re-examined and a written CGIAR charter be
developed. We encourage coordinated, inclusive change
management processes to avoid the negative impacts of
change on Centers.
We are committed to working with all partners in putting
food
production and poverty alleviation back on the top of
the development agenda.
John Vercoe, Chairman
Committee of Board Chairs (CBC)
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