CGIAR announced today that Ismahane Elouafi has stepped down from the CGIAR System Board with effect from November 15, 2020, as she commences her new pivotal role of Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This decision has come after discussions between CGIAR and Dr Elouafi, and in recognition that the time commitments and breadth of mandate of her new FAO senior leadership role are such that she is unable to continue in her role as a CGIAR System Board member. She will also thus relinquish her position as a member of all CGIAR Center governing bodies on which she sits in her capacity as a CGIAR common board member.
Marco Ferroni, Chair of the CGIAR System Board stated: “On behalf of all CGIAR, I congratulate Ismahane and wish her every success in her challenging new role. I have appreciated the insights and perspectives she has brought to CGIAR System Board deliberations as a member and regret that she must now relinquish the position. I also hope very much that we may continue to draw on her valuable knowledge and expertise in different ways and that she will continue the strong association with CGIAR that she has developed in various capacities over the years.”
A process has been initiated to identify Dr Elouafi’s replacement, which is expected to lead to an appointment in January 2021. The appointee will similarly take on a voting role on the CGIAR System Board and all other One CGIAR Center Boards.