Kenya Hosts Annual General Meeting 2003: Ringing Endorsement for CGIAR's Mission

CGIAR Annual General Meeting 2003 (AGM03) - the first to be held in Africa - was hosted by the Government of Kenya and held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). The meeting brought together nearly 1,000 stakeholders, who share a commitment to promoting growth and sustainable development in Africa.

The meeting was opened by Hon. Moody Awori, Vice President of the Republic of Kenya. "Agriculture and rural development is crucial for the structural transformation and sustained economic development of Africa," he said, setting the bar high for the proceedings. "This meeting provides an opportunity for mobilizing experiences and ideas in agricultural science and technology, necessary for reducing poverty on the continent of Africa."

AGM03 broke new ground in several areas. Notably, it provided a forum for the open exchange of ideas, increasing space for optimal interaction among Members and CGIAR scientists and staff. An informative set of field visits provided stakeholders with an opportunity to view first-hand the beneficial impacts of research. The Innovation Marketplace celebrated and recognized innovative projects being implemented by farmer groups and civil society organizations. Finally, a CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable brought together African Ministers from Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Mali for a substantive discussion on consolidating an African vision for agricultural research and development. Other participants included a representative from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Earth Institute of Columbia University and Special Advisor to the U.N. Secretary General.

"This is the first AGM being held in Africa, and it will not be the last," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, in opening remarks to the stakeholder meeting. "A dynamic response from CGIAR requires that we give Africa a central place in our efforts, but also be attentive to the pressing needs of other developing regions as well." His remarks titled "An Ever Evolving CGIAR" drew applause from the participants.

Notable outcomes of AGM03 include:
- Endorsement of the ongoing reforms which are on track
- Approval for the IFPRI-ISNAR Program alliance
- Establishment of a high-level Science Council to guide the CGIARÆs scientific efforts
- Rise in membership: the Gulf Cooperation Council formally joined the CGIAR, increasing the number of members to 63 (25 developing countries and 22 industrialized counties)
- Establishment of two Task Forces - to decide on appropriate CGIAR programs and configuration of Centers
- A preliminary CGIAR budget for 2004 of $400 million - the highest so far
- Increased collaboration between Centers (e.g. CIMMYT and IRRI, CIFOR and World Agroforestry Centre)
- Launch of a "Biosicences Laboratory" at ILRI and funded by Canada (C$ 30 million)
- Strong and continuing support for Challenge Programs ù which are bringing additional resources (human, technical, and financial) including from the private sector such as the Gates Foundation

"The Government of Kenya, especially Minister Kirwa and his colleagues at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute have been remarkable hosts," said Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director. " The CGIAR owes them our collective gratitude, both for their hospitality and for ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of the meetings. The assistance of ILRI and World Agroforestry Centre is noteworthy and gratefully acknowledged."