CGIAR Center Directors Committee Minutes, Presiding Chair: J. Walsh

The minutes record a discussion between the CG Chair and the center directors on CDC perceptions of the major CGIAR system requirements that include priority setting, CDC leadership within the CGIAR system, a more visible role for NARS in coordinating IARC activities, modes of inter-centre collaboration and a reduction in barriers to inter-centre activities. Decisions are made on the future role and responsibilities of the Centre Deputy Directors Committee. Reports of CDC sub-committees are presented and discussed. The Benefits Committee report discusses the AIRCO settlement, establishment of an Inter-Centre Service Office and the appointment of a consultant to undertake start up operations. The SSA sub-Committee reports on initial discussions with SPAAR and the decision to form an inter-centre initiative on the bean/banana based system in Central Africa. Agreement is reached to hire a consultant to develop proposals and a funding formula of 50 % by donor and 50% by centers (ICRAF, CIAT, INIBAP, IITA, CIMMYT and ILCA) agreed to. ICRAF is identified as the lead center. The FAO/IARC Task Force is established.