Message from the Chair and Director

Dear Colleague:

It is our pleasure to introduce this issue of e-CGIAR News, presenting a diverse array of stories about advances in research and related activities that form part of the varied mosaic of the CGIAR's science agenda for sustainable agricultural development. As in previous issues, the stories provide eloquent testimony to the high quality of our science, the strength of our partnerships and the continuing commitment of the CGIAR's 64 Members.

With the aim of further strengthening our work, we will take up several critical tasks and issues over the next few months. At the upcoming meeting of the CGIAR Executive Council (ExCo13), to be held in mid-October at Rome, we will review the outcomes of the External Program Management Reviews (EPMRs) carried out this year in four Centers, of the meta-analysis conducted on the basis of 11 previous EPMRs and of three recent Challenge Program External Reviews. These are important tools for improving research and organizational effectiveness and for guaranteeing accountability.

At ExCo 13, we will also work toward consensus on the way forward with the CGIAR External Review and the Facilitated Change Management Process called for last May at ExCo12. Together, these initiatives will enable us to gauge how far the CGIAR has come in recent years and what concrete measures we must take now to better fulfill our development mission in the face of many formidable challenges.

Several months ago, a "scoping team" was formed to prepare a Change Process proposal for consideration by the Executive Council. Subject to approval of the final proposal at the CGIAR's 2007 Annual General Meeting (AGM07), to take place on December 3-6 in Beijing, the change process would then unfold throughout 2008, starting with adjustments that can be implemented immediately for quick gains.

In addition to dealing with that and other key business and providing ample opportunity for informal discussions, AGM07 will feature a Science Forum designed to concentrate the attention of CGIAR stakeholders on issues of fundamental importance for international agricultural research. The forum's main purpose is to determine, based on past experience and new opportunities, how best to mobilize advanced science in the CGIAR's problem-solving research. The agenda and other details of the event are taking shape and will be available soon on the CGIAR web site.

One key item to be included in the agenda is a presentation on the World Development Report: Agriculture for Development, soon to be released by the World Bank. This will help place the forum within the framework of international discussion about the need for increased investment in agricultural development, including science and technology. The need for such investment is especially clear against the background of major global trends that represent both new opportunities and risks for agriculture.

As we go about all of these tasks, we are well aware of their future implications and of our responsibility for ensuring that they result in a CGIAR that is highly relevant to the challenges we face and more effective in confronting them.

Cordially,

Katherine Sierra CGIAR Chair

Ren Wang CGIAR Director