Warm greetings to the CGIAR community.
I’ll open this edition of my blog by commending the very welcome news that the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), leader in tropical dryland agrifood system innovation, has joined the One CGIAR integrated partnership.
I was delighted to be beside Professor Prabhu Pingali, Chair of the ICRISAT Governing Board, for the signing of the CGIAR Integration Framework Agreement (IFA). on 10 October.
Next, a report on the Unified Governance Review workshop, which took place over two days in Rabat, Morocco. Not since the adoption of our CGIAR System Framework in 2016 have so many System Council members, Center Board Chairs, Directors General, and System Board members met in person.
It was abundantly clear that we have come a long way as a CGIAR family. Renewed, vigorous commitment to the integrated partnership was notable, alongside pragmatic recognition of where gaps persist. There was consensus on the way forward and what has to change to make us truly One CGIAR.
The 19th CGIAR System Council Meeting was also held in Rabat, and hosted by ICARDA with exceptional hospitality. It was my second System Council meeting in my role as Board Chair. Discussion and debate over the course of the proceedings were intense and productive, with a sustained focus on our science throughout. We came away with insights from CGIAR Science Directors on how lessons learned from delivering the current research portfolio are shaping the development of the next portfolio, with plans to consistently leverage on existing capacities and gains from cross-Center collaboration.
We reviewed funding for CGIAR’s genebanks, with the goal of ensuring adequate resources to make them fit for the future.
Colleagues from Innovative Finance & Resource Mobilization provided an update on CGIAR’s Fundraising Strategy and Global Campaign.
Finally, all participants warmly welcomed Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, CGIAR’s incoming Executive Managing Director.
During my time in Rabat, I was struck over and over again by the vibrant spirit of One CGIAR.
We saw first-hand the work and impact of ICARDA and CGIAR – alongside the Government of Morocco, partners, and farmers – across genetic innovations, conservation agriculture, sustainable land and water management, women’s empowerment, and more.
CGIAR DGs and Board Chairs enjoyed a special visit with ICARDA staff. I love speaking to our teams and hearing directly from them how impactful collaboration across CGIAR Centers truly is.
Thank you for watching and listening. Keep well, and see you next time.