October 23 - 27, 2000

1. Chairman's Opening. CGIAR Chairman Ian Johnson set the tone for the meeting with an opening statement about the daunting developmental challenges in the battle against hunger and poverty. The global environment, climate change, ecological and natural resource management, natural disasters, public health and nutritional concerns have all added new dimensions of complexity to the CGIAR's original focus on agricultural research, global public goods, and genetic resources. There is strong sentiment for change in the CGIAR. Current realities require the CGIAR to gear up for change, and such change must be in both form and function.

The Chairman outlined key challenges facing CGIAR stakeholders:

• Maintaining science and research at the centers at the highest levels;
• Transforming the CGIAR into a "new age" institution characterized by lightness, agility, responsiveness, and cost-efficiency;
• Strengthening the CGIAR's position as a producer of global public goods;
• Redefining a framework for partnerships;
• Keeping CGIAR funding stable and secure; and
• Devising the most effective means of linking CGIAR research with national development programs.

The Chairman strongly emphasized that change should be based on a holistic approach because all organizational components are inter-connected and cannot be considered in isolation. ICW2000 should close with a clear understanding of the terms of change, underlying principles at work, agreement on next steps, and adoption of a process to culminate at MTM2001, where final decisions on form and function can be taken.

2. Charting the future of the CGIAR. The key issues on the table at ICW2000 were the organizational and structural changes required to fulfil the new CGIAR vision as well as to ensure the effectiveness of all components of the CGIAR System. Studies and papers produced by the Synthesis Group, Technical Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, Center Directors Committee, Committee of Board Chairs, FARA, EIARD, and other groups and individuals provided valuable inputs to the deliberations. The Group heard presentations from TAC Chair Emil Javier, Alex McCalla, as chairman of the working group looking at long term financing issues, and Andrew Bennett, chairman of the Synthesis Group.

The TAC Vision and Strategy paper was adopted at MTM2000. Mr. Javier reported on the revised version, which was adapted to incorporate comments and suggestions made at Dresden and thereafter. The paper articulates a new vision -- "a food secure world for all" -- and seven planks that form its core (poverty alleviation, modern science, priority to south Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, regional approaches to research planning, integration of CGIAR activities with partners in developing regions, adoption of a task force approach, and service as a catalyst within the global agricultural research system). Mr. Javier emphasized that the CGIAR's new focus on regional planning and priority-setting in the context of a global agenda was a profound shift and would be one of the most difficult challenges facing the CGIAR.

Mr. McCalla's presentation focused on the working group's recommendations on long term financing. The report proposes a three-tier strategy of stabilizing ODA contributions, increasing financial contributions from the South, and attracting non-traditional (i.e. private sector and philanthropy) support. The working group recommended that implementation of the strategy should build on the initial work of the Future Harvest public awareness group. Specifically the implementation program proposes recasting the image of the CGIAR as a vital relevant entity; consolidating and rationalizing the majority of public awareness and information functions; transforming Future Harvest as the lead in developing a unified message and image for the CGIAR; and creating a coordinated "corporate" strategy in public awareness and resource mobilization.

At MTM2000, Members agreed on a process by which stakeholders would review and suggest possible organizational and structural changes to fulfill the new CGIAR vision. Caucuses of CGIAR members and CGIAR Committees were involved. An electronic conference also ensured broad participation of stakeholders. A Synthesis Group was convened by the Oversight Committee to sift through the options emerging from the process. Mr. Bennett reported the recommendations of the Synthesis Group in four categories of proposals for discussion at ICW2000:

• Agenda setting with a regional emphasis;
• A federal model for the CGIAR;
• Other aspects of CGIAR governance;
• Financial matters.

The Synthesis Group flagged six other issues for consideration at ICW2000:

• Primacy of shareholders in decision making;
• Location, design, and leanness of a possible new central structure;
• Its accountability to and linkage with the CGIAR, including the chairman;
• Options for obtaining independent technical advice;
• Opportunities for revitalizing modalities for stable funding;
• Composition, mandate, and time frame for action of a Change Management Team.

In plenary and executive sessions, as well as smaller working groups, members discussed the Synthesis Group's proposals. There was strong agreement that the CGIAR must be re-launched building on the existing strengths of the System. Discussions covered the CGIAR's research agenda, priority setting and the inclusion of regional actors; the roles, responsibilities, and accountability of a possible CGIAR federation; streamlining the CGIAR's governance; and building stable future finance. At mid-point in the meeting, the Chairman offered a paper on next steps outlining agreed principles, action points, possible quick wins, and a change management process. This provides the basis for how the change management strategy can be implemented.

The Group reached consensus on two sets of action points. First, actions that will provide quick wins, and second, actions with a medium- or long-term perspective (see attached Chairman’s Paper: Guidelines for Next Steps).

3. Global Public Goods Seminar. World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn opened the Global Public Goods Seminar, emphasizing the need for international cooperation for development in the new millennium. In his remarks, Mr. Wolfensohn pointed to the CGIAR's unique role as a producer of global public goods in the fight against poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation. "The Bank is pleased to be a strong supporter of the CGIAR whose efforts are central to rural and agricultural issues. The CGIAR is an important element in the global equation relating to global poverty," he said.

Other featured speakers included Jeffrey Sachs, Motoo Kusakabe, Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Alberto Duque Portugal, Sam Dryden, and Ann Waters-Bayer. The second phase of the Seminar was the Centers' Forum. All sixteen Centers made presentations under the broad heading of Frontier Science, Global Public Goods, and the CGIAR, with a combined focus on science and the impact of research.

4. CGIAR Africa Strategy -- An Update. The meeting was chaired by Hans Binswanger, World Bank Sector Director for Rural Development and Environment, and included presentations by Hank Fitzhugh, ILRI Director General and Joseph Mukiibi, FARA Co-Chair. Adama Traore, CORAF Chair, and Moctar Toure, SPAAR also participated. It was noted that significant efforts have been made to improve CGIAR-NARS partnerships in Africa, but more needs to be done to empower African NARS and other clients, and to broaden partnerships with the private sector. Current efforts need to be revisited in the light of the changes being contemplated in the System, especially the proposals made by African NARS and the World Bank. Intensive consultations should continue so that tangible proposals with a focus on empowerment of clients and scientists can be made at MTM2001.

5. Land Use and Climate Change. The CGIAR first discussed climate change as a discrete issue at MTM98, when Robert Watson, World Bank Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, presented an overview of what were then the current scientific findings on climate change, the significance of climate change for agriculture and forestry, and options for mitigation. At that meeting, the CDC created the Inter-Center Working Group on Climate Change to develop an integrated research strategy for the CGIAR.

At ICW2000, Dr. Watson presented a global perspective on land use and climate change. He noted that climate change has had and is predicted to have adverse impacts on agriculture in many parts of the world. Mitigation efforts were outlined, including the role of agroforestry. Pedro Sanchez, ICRAF Director General and chair of the ICWG-CC, presented a report on the potential for carbon sequestration in developing countries.

6. Integrated Natural Resource Management. Jeffrey Sayer, CIFOR Director General, presented an update on the work of the INRM Task Force. The first Task Force workshop established principles and criteria for the application of INRM methods, and a report of the subsequent meeting in Penang, Malaysia, was provided to the Group.

7. CGIAR Plant Breeding Review. A panel of experts under the chairmanship of Donald N. Duvick was tasked to review plant breeding methodologies throughout the CGIAR system. Mr. Duvick reported that the panel's review looked at conventional plant breeding, biotechnology and transgenics, synergies among Centers, synergies with the private sector, intellectual property rights, participatory plant breeding, and outsourcing. The Panel has recommended that a system-level mechanism be given responsibility for improving collaboration among Centers and for promoting "any type of consolidation that may be needed." The Panel also examined Center budgets and urged that appropriate changes should be made in funding mechanisms that hinder inter-Center collaboration.

8. Impact of HIV/AIDS on Agriculture. The HIV/AIDS Crisis and its impli-cations for rural development and agricultural research in Africa were detailed by Hans Binswanger. The gravity of the issues deserves special attention from the CGIAR.

9. External Program and Management Review of CIAT. The Group endorsed the Review Panel’s recommendations and very positive assessment of CIAT.

10. Briefing by World Bank Operations Evaluation Department. OED Director General Robert Picciotto informed the Group about plans to conduct a review of the public goods aspects of CGIAR’s work. The review would be led by Uma Lele, and would involve wide consultations. He urged the members to look afresh at the issues of CGIAR-NARS relationships, particularly on capacity building, and the need to build linkages with the private sector.

Recommendations of CGIAR Committees. The Group received reports and recommendations from the Cosponsors and the Finance, Oversight, Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organization, Center Board Chairs, Center Directors, and Technical Advisory Committees.

2000 Funding Update. The Group received a report from the Finance Committee Chair on the expected 2000 financial outcome. At the aggregate level, the 2000 financial outcome of $340 million is in line with the level approved at ICW99. Fourteen centers will be fully funded in 2000. Lagging disbursements, however, continue to be a problem.

The 2001 Financing Plan. The Group adopted the Finance Committee’s recommendations on the financing plan for the 2000 research agenda. Center financing plans were endorsed at identified levels and an overall CGIAR financing plan of $340 million was approved.

Regarding the World Bank’s contribution of $45 million, the Group adopted the recommendations of the Finance Committee. The World Bank has resumed as Finance Committee Chair.

2002 Financial Planning Framework. The Group received a report on the financial planning framework for 2002. The 2002 plans should be:

• Based on a planning framework of $340 million;
• Confirm to TAC recommendations for specific program guidance;
• Commission the preparation and distribution of guidelines as preparation for the 2002-2004 medium term plans by the centers;
• Presented as a set of projects using the CGIAR logical framework adopted at ICW98.

12. Honors and Awards. The CGIAR created the King Baudouin Award to acknowledge and stimulate agricultural research and other activities relevant to the System and to recognize achievements stemming from a Center's work. WARDA received the 2000 CGIAR King Baudouin award to developing "New Rice for Africa" (NERICA), high-yielding, disease resistant and drought tolerant upland rice varieties suitable to growing conditions in West and Central Africa.

The Chairman's Excellence in Science Awards recognize outstanding scientific achievements by CGIAR scientists and support staff. The Chairman presented the 2000 awards to:

Promising Young Scientist -- Bernard Vanlauwe, associate scientist, IITA, for outstanding work in developing balanced nutrient management systems for maize-based farming systems.

Outstanding Local Scientist -- Alberto Barrion, senior associate scientist, IRRI, for contributions in the field of entomology that have benefited both national and international programs in such areas as integrated pest management, biodiversity, and pest modeling; his work provided crucial information to small and resource-poor farmers.

Outstanding Local Scientific Support Staff -- Ellen Payongayong, research analyst, IFPRI, for outstanding and consistent performance over the past 13 years in providing statistical and data management support.

Outstanding Scientific Article -- S. Ceccarelli, et al, ICARDA, for a paper published in Euphytica, a refereed journal, reporting on the results of an extensive experiment carried out in nine villages and two research stations in Syria. The work represented a significant innovation in participatory plant breeding and shows that farmers can contributed much in developing of improved barley varieties and enhancing genetic diversity.

Outstanding Scientific Partnership -- CIMMYT, IRRI and NARS partners (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan) in the Rice-Wheat Consortium for the Indo-Gangetic Plains, an ecoregional program which has fostered the development of conservation tillage practices suitable for rice-wheat systems and has contributed to their successful scaling up, thus benefiting large areas and large numbers of farm families in the region.

MTM2001 May 21 - 25 Durban, South Africa

ICW2001 October 29 - November 2 Washington, DC