CGIAR Oversight Committee Reports
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Item Report of the Twenty-First Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 2001-05-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the twenty-first meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Durban, South Africa on May 19 and 20, 2001 in conjunction with the 2001 CGIAR Mid Term Meeting. The Committee discussed the report of the Change Design and Management Team report and plans for deliberation of its recommendations at the Mid Term Meeting, director general successions at CIFOR, ICRAF, IITA, and ILRI, and the IBSRAM-IWMI merger. The roles of CGIAR Cosponsors and relationship with the Executive Council following the anticipated organizational change, and the possibility of a greater role by IFAD were also considered. CGIAR participation in the upcoming World Food Summit Plus 5, and G8 Genoa, and World Sustainable Development Summits would require communications strategies, while CGIAR involvement in negotiations surrounding the Convention on Biological Diversity and International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture would require attention to members' positions.Item Report of the Twentieth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 2000-10-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the twentieth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington between October 20 and 27, 2000 in conjunction with ICW 2000, Andrew Bennett presiding. Members considered that the report of the Synthesis Group on issues of governance, organization and structure fulfilled the charge to the Oversight Committee to produce a synthesis. They participated actively in the discussions at ICW 2000, and emphasized the need to reach clear decisions at MTM 2001.The Committee considered the retrospective review of the System Review it had commissioned by a panel chaired by Martin Piñeiro. It decided to release the report to the members of the CGIAR and, subject to their views, implement the recommendations and assume an oversight role for the review process in the System. The Committee endorsed the orientation program offered for new board members, and noted the processes for selection of directors general at CIFOR, ICRAF, ILRI, and IITA. It found the discussion of external program and management reviews (EPMRs) at CGIAR meetings to be of limited value and recommended that members receive and comment on reviews electronically. Difficulties for WARDA staff created by the political situation in Côte d'Ivoire were noted. The Committee urged that consideration of the proposed merger of IBSRAM into IWMI be fully transparent. It welcomed the arrival of a new CGIAR Chairman and Director, and noted the important role of the cosponsors. Other topics considered included the review of plant breeding methodologies, funding issues, agendas for the 2001 CGIAR meetings, and the work of GFAR.Item Report of the Nineteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 2000-05-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the nineteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Dresden, Germany between May 20 and 25, in conjunction with the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting 2000. The work of the Committee was reported to MTM2000 by Committee Chairman Andrew Bennett. The formal minutes were circulated as an annex to the summary of the CGIAR meeting.At MTM 2000 the Oversight Committee was charged with convening a Synthesis Group to prepare a paper on possible structural changes for discussion at ICW 2000. The paper was to be based on work by TAC and the CDC/CBC on a vision for the CGIAR, TAC's seven pillars, IPR issues, and System and Center governance. Committee members met with team that would carry out a review of the System Review, and issued a revised terms of reference to the Group.The Committee considered a number of due diligence issues for both centers and the System. It noted the decision by UNEP to withdraw from its role as cosponsor for financial reasons and expressed concern about UNDP's ability to continue in its cosponsor role. The World Bank's intention to seek other donors to share funding of the CGIAR Secretariat might influence the size and functions of the Secretariat.Item Report of the Eighteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1999-11-01) CGIAR Oversight Committee; Bennett, AndrewReport of the eighteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington, DC, between October 23 and 29, 1999 in conjunction with CGIAR International Centers Week 1999. Chairman Andrew Bennett reported orally on the work of the Committee to ICW 99, and the written report was circulated as an annex to the Summary Proceedings of the CGIAR meeting.Regarding its future role, the Committee recommended the CGIAR agree to its continued focus on System governance and due diligence matters, as well as to its involvement - along with TAC and the Finance Committee - in longer term strategic planning and viability issues. The Committee said it was too soon to judge the contribution of the System Review, but recommended a short strategic review of its results and lessons as a contribution to forthcoming work on the vision and restructuring of the CGIAR. It undertook to provide draft terms of reference for such a study.Under System Governance, the Committee welcomed the continuation of Ismail Serageldin as CGIAR Chairman, asked that the procedure used to select the TAC Chairman be documented for future guidance, said it would clear the terms of reference for the CGIAR Executive Secretary before recruitment by the cosponsors, and commented on the organization of CGIAR meetings. Under center governance, it noted interaction with the CBC and CDC, and commented on events at several centers.Item Report of the Seventeenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1999-06-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the seventeenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Beijing from 23 to 27 May, 1999 in conjunction with the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting. The Committee discussed at length its own role in the light of the recommendations of the Consultative Council concerning follow up to the System Review. It concluded that it should continue to function as a committee reporting to the CGIAR with a focus on due diligence and governance issues.Under center governance, the Committee discussed the external program and management reviews of ILRI and ICLARM, and the decision to relocate ICLARM headquarters to Malaysia. The recent resignations of the directors general of CIAT and ICRISAT were examined in terms of their implications for center governance and board-management relations. The Committee met with the chairs of the CGIAR and TAC. It expressed hope that the uncertainty over the status of the CGIAR chair would be removed soon, and that the delay in naming a new Executive Secretary would not lead to discontinuity. The Committee expressed support for the procedure being used to seek a new chair for TAC. It identified a number of issues for future consideration.Item Report of the Sixteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1998-11-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the sixteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington, DC on October 24-25 and 27, 1998 in conjunction with CGIAR International Centers Week. The Committee interacted with the Chairman of the CGIAR and the Finance Committee on the System Review.The Committee reiterated the importance of centers using realistic funding projections, given the pressures on development assistance, and on the World Bank contribution. Under System Governance, the Committee urged a closer working relationship between TAC and the IAEG, and strengthening TAC's capacity to provide management and policy advice.The Oversight Committee pursued its concern about potential liability of members for actions by centers or the System in a discussion with Louis Forget of the World Bank Legal Department. It welcomed the proposal to establish a legal entity to hold intellectual property for the centers. The issue of member liability should be pursued after the consideration of the System Review conclusions. While critical of some aspects of the System Review, the Committee decided to work for ownership of the report and finding a consensus on a way forward. It reviewed the changes made in the Group agenda at ICW98, and discussed the structure of MTM 1999 with the Executive Secretary of the CGIAR.Item Report of the Fifteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1998-06-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the fifteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Brasilia on May 23, 24, and 27, 1998 in conjunction with the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting 1998. The report was presented orally at MTM98 by Committee Chairman Andrew Bennett, and this written version was circulated later.Under the heading 'Center Governance' the Committee considered the recently completed external program and management reviews (EPMR) of CIMMYT, IFPRI, and IRRI, and requested a briefing on the situation at CIFOR in the context of turbulence in Indonesia. Given the recurrent funding problems of a number of IARCs, the Committee pointed to the need for both forward planning, and flexibility on the part of IARCs in case funding shortfalls could not be resolved. It expressed alarm at a rumor the World Bank was preparing an exit strategy from the CGIAR. It encouraged centers to give regard to leadership and management as well as technical skills in recruiting for senior positions.Under 'System Governance' it reiterated the urgency of credible impact assessments, and requested the system review panel to advise how the CGIAR could facilitate effective integration of planning, monitoring, and evaluation. The Committee expressed concern over the likelihood of serious staff shortages in the TAC Secretariat, and urged the Co-sponsors to ensure continuity there.In connection with biotechnology, the committee asked the CGIAR Secretariat to investigate member liability for the conduct of IARCs, or the CGIAR. The Committee met with the system review panel, and prepared comments on the review which are attached as an annex. The Committee welcomed a request from the Chairman of the CGIAR to find ways to streamline the agenda and structure of future CGIAR meetings.Item Report of the Fourteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1997-12-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the fourteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington, DC on October 27 and 29, 1997 during International Centers Week. The Committee interacted with the CGIAR Finance Committee and System Review Panel on October 28. Agenda items included action in implementing the recommendations of the EPMR of ICRISAT, and the difficult financial situation of ICIPE. Non-associated centers had important roles to play in the achievement of CGIAR objectives. Their status was an issue deserving consideration in the System Review.The Committee also discussed the IAEG report on the impact of CGIAR activities and the consideration of biotechnology issues by the two specialist panels and others. It heard a briefing by Fernando Chaparro on progress in establishing the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, and hoped that the System Review would consider the relationships between GFAR and CGIAR governance.The chairman reported orally to ICW97, and this report was circulated later.Item Report of the Thirteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1997-06-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the thirteenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee held in Cairo, May 24, 1997, in conjunction with the 1997 Mid Term Meeting, Andrew Bennett presiding. The Committee focused on events at ICRISAT and noted the role of Dr. Paroda as temporary board chair. It reaffirmed the principle that boards should not be chaired by nationals of the host country except in extraordinary circumstances, and the importance of non-interference by donors in center board relations with management.The Committee decided to continue to monitor the relationship between the CGIAR and GFAR and the Global Forum Steering Committee. The role of the CGIAR in the Global System was identified as an important issue for the third System Review. A discussion of the CGIAR's involvement in biotechnology led the Committee to propose the establishment of a task force to identify the Group's comparative advantages in this field, provide guidance on intellectual property rights and other legal issues, and establish best practices relating to biosafety.Efficiency of conducting CGIAR business, impact, and support were identified as key issues for the System Review. After discussing its own role in the review, the Committee decided to prepare a paper on governance as a first contribution. It would continue to oversee the process on behalf of the Group. Responding to the report of the IAEG, the Committee underscored the importance of impact assessment. Donors found themselves under increasing pressure to demonstrate the value of funds contributed.Item Report of the Eleventh Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1997-02-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the eleventh meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington on October 26 and 29, 1996 in conjunction with CGIAR International Centers Week. The Committee discussed the CGIAR's involvement in the Global Forum on Agricultural Research. It made a detailed comment on the conduct of the upcoming system review, while deciding it should not play a steering role in the review. It decided to monitor the transition of TAC toward a more strategic role, and urged participation of TAC in center program planning. Noting the forthcoming publication of six guidelines for center boards, it urged improvement in the diversity of board members, particularly women and representatives of the south and gender balance of IARC boards. The Committee also commented on the change of leadership at WARDA and ICRISAT.The chairman, Paul Egger, reported on this meeting to ICW96. The written report was circulated later.Item Report of the Twelfth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1997-02-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the twelfth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in London, January 6-7, 1997. Agenda issues included preparations for the third System Review, the development of CGIAR programs for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and the changing work program of the recently established Impact Assessment and Evaluation Group (IAEG).The Committee also discussed follow up to the initiation of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, particularly interaction with the CGIAR. It found that recent CGIAR meetings had less time to discuss substantive issues, because of the activities of the many constituencies, and suggested that the System Review consider this problem. Recent developments at ICRISAT, ISNAR, ILRI, and CIP were discussed. The Committee asked the center directors to prepare a short paper on problems arising from multiple reporting requirements from donors.The Chairman, Andrew Bennett, reported on this meeting, among other things, at the CGIAR meeting in May 1997.Item Report of the Tenth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1996-07-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the tenth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Jakarta on May 19, 1996 in conjunction with the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting 1996. The Committee reviewed the CGIAR's partnership with NARS and plans for the Global Forum. Under the heading of system governance it noted that the CGIAR Secretariat had distributed to the members of the group a paper requested and reviewed by the Committee on the roles, responsibilities and procedures of the CGIAR's committees and units. It made suggestions to the IAEG for interaction with various bodies, and met representatives of the Private Sector Committee and the NGO Committee.The Committee welcomed the concept of a more strategic TAC, but considered that TAC needed to remain involved in resource allocation. It found that various CGIAR constituencies favored a System review, and offered its collaboration in undertaking such a review which it considered of high priority. Following approval by the CGIAR of guidelines for the roles, responsibilities and accountability of center boards, the Committee agreed to help complete five additional papers on center governance.Under due diligence the Committee reviewed the disagreement between TAC and ICLARM regarding the potential role of the facilities at Abbassa in Egypt, and expressed concerns about funding opportunities driving the research agenda. It also considered its own work program.Item Report of the Ninth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1996-03-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the ninth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Washington, DC on October 28 and November 2, 1995, during International Centers Week 1995. Chairman Paul Egger reported on this meeting at the same session of the CGIAR, and this written version was provided later.The Committee reflected favorably on the renewal process in the CGIAR. It saw a need for ensuring that the research agenda matrix reflected the program structure more accurately. The Committee commented on progress in organizing for partnership with NARS, and establishment of the NGO and Private Sector Committees. It reiterated its views on research in Eastern Europe and countries of the former Soviet Union.Under the heading of CGIAR governance, the Committee appraised progress in establishment of the IAEG, and the role of PARC. It discussed a draft paper on CGIAR board roles and responsibilities.Under due diligence it considered relations with the President of the World Bank, the search for an executive secretary for TAC, the composition and role of TAC, and progress at ICLARM, particularly the proposal to acquire facilities in Egypt.The Committee also carried out a self-assessment, and established its future work program.Item Report of the Eighth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1995-07-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the eighth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in Nairobi on May 21 and 25, 1995 in conjunction with MTM95. The Chairman, Paul Egger, included this meeting in his oral report to MTM95. This written version was distributed later.Discussions on follow up to the Lucerne meeting covered research in Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union, linkages between the CGIAR and NGOs, the definition of systemwide programs and initiatives, and impact assessment. Concerning partnerships with NARS, the committee identified linking consultations to priority setting as the prime concern.The CGIAR Secretariat project preparing policy and guideline documents for center boards with the help of the National Center for Nonprofit Boards (NCNB) was endorsed, and guidance provided. Under due diligence, the committee discussed the search for the TAC Executive Secretary, the number of CGIAR committees, use of parallel sessions at CGIAR meetings, the age criterion applied by the Candidate Information System (CIS), and recent developments at ICLARM. It also considered the CGIAR role in the forthcoming FAO food summit conference, and its own work program, which included a plan for a self-assessment.Item Report of the Seventh Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1995-04-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of CGIAR Oversight Committee on its seventh meeting, which was held in Lucerne, Switzerland on February 10-11, 1995 at the conclusion of the CGIAR Ministerial-Level Meeting. There was also a joint session with the CGIAR Finance Committee.The Committee discussed the outcome of the Ministerial-level meeting and the CGIAR change process. It saw a danger of overloading the system with committees and task forces and decided to look in more depth at this question. The meeting also considered systemwide programs and initiatives, the FAO plan for a world food summit, and IFPRI's 2020 Initiative. It decided to consider papers on the roles, responsibilities and operations of center boards at its next meeting. Under the heading of due diligence, it discussed the search process for the TAC Executive Secretary, Egypt's offer of facilities to ICLARM, and center board chair appointments.Agenda document, CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, May 1995.Item Report of the Sixth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1994-10-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the sixth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held in conjunction with CGIAR International Centers Week in October 1994. The report summarizes the Committee's conclusions on matters relating to the change process underway in the CGIAR including the study panel report on governance and financial structure, research agenda setting. It also considered the mechanisms for formulating CGIAR policy on genetic resources, and consulted with the CBC on the performance of IARC boards. The Committee found that insufficient time was allowed for filing of objections to the decision to locate ILRI headquarters in Nairobi, given the political content of the issue.Agenda document at the CGIAR meeting in October 1994.Item Report of the Fifth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1994-10-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the fifth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, in September 1994, presented at CGIAR International Centers Week, October 1994. Matters discussed included CGIAR interaction with national programs and developing country participation, CGIAR genetic resources policy and procedures for the proposed agreement with FAO to place IARC germplasm under FAO auspices. The committee recommended that priority should be given to developing a means for ongoing Systemwide impact assessment, and to public awareness and fundraising activities.Agenda document at the CGIAR meeting in October 1994.Item Report of the Fourth Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1994-04-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeSummary of the deliberations of the fourth meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee, held at the University of Sussex in April 1994, Paul Egger presiding. The agenda of the meeting was similar to previous ones, except that the watching brief on ICLARM was dropped, while the CGIAR review process, and policy for plant genetic resources were both added.Agenda document, CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, May 1994.Item Report of the Third Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1994-03-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the third meeting of the Oversight Committee, held in Rome , January 26-28, 1994, Paul Egger presiding. The committee continued to address CGIAR priority issues of governance and leadership. It reviewed the progress of the CGIAR vision statement it had commissioned, and made suggestions to the external team, as well as defining the proposed role of the internal TAC team working on the statement. The committee considered three options for a governance structure of the CGIAR, and discussed its own role in the process of adjustment within the CGIAR system.There was extensive discussion and interaction with FAO concerning collaboration with NARS, and the role of regional representatives during CGIAR meetings. Watching brief items discussed were the establishment of the livestock center, progress at ICLARM, and the integration of INIBAP into IPGRI. The committee prepared a draft policy statement on CGIAR policy toward Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. It also considered the implications of the shortfall in CGIAR funding in 1994, reviewed the agenda for MTM94 and set priorities for its own work program.Agenda document, CGIAR meeting May 1994.Item Report of the Second Meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee(Meeting Report, 1993-12-01) CGIAR Oversight CommitteeReport of the second meeting of the CGIAR Oversight Committee held in Washington in October 21-22, and 25, 1993 before and during International Centers Week, Paul Egger presiding. A summary of conclusions was prepared for distribution at ICW93 and is in a separate record. This full report of the meeting was completed later.The Committee proposed the formulation of a new, concise CGIAR vision and strategy statement to be completed and then launched at a ministerial level conference of donors and potential donors in early 1995. Additional topics discussed included the central structure of the CGIAR, developing country needs and NARS participation in the CGIAR, and governance issues concerning ICLARM, and INIBAP's transfer to IBPGR. The committee also updated the list of issues on its agenda, and its work program for 1994.