Report of the Sixteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Finance Committee

Report of the Sixteenth Meeting of the CGIAR Finance Committee, held in Washington, DC on October 23 and 28, 1999 in conjunction with CGIAR International Centers Week 1999. The Committee held a joint session on October 24 with the Oversight Committee chaired by the Chairman of the CGIAR. The report was presented to ICW 99 by Committee Chair Alex McCalla.The Committee reviewed the status and expected financial outcome of 1999. There were continued problems with late disbursements of funds by members. It reviewed IARC finance plans for 2000 following consultation with TAC, noting funding problems of several centers and systemwide programs. The Committee recommended a flat program of $340 million, cautioned centers to adjust to donor decisions, and warned of the payments backlog at the European Community. It proposed an allocation of the 2000 World Bank contribution. The Committee continued the development of a longer term financing framework, and a supporting strategy for resource mobilization and public awareness. It broadly endorsed the draft paper, "A Longer Term Financing Strategy for the CGIAR," prepared by The Conservation Company. Continuing its discussion of CGIAR financial policy issues, The Committee focused on internal audits, financial systems and guidelines, and indirect costs at CGIAR Centers.The Finance Committee started a policy of rotating its chairmanship by electing Canada for a one year term following the retirement of McCalla in January 2000.