CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, Cairo, Egypt, May 26-30, 1997: Summary of Proceedings

Summary report of the mid term meeting of the CGIAR held in Cairo, Egypt, May 26-30, 1997, chaired by Ismail Serageldin. Thailand joined. As part of an emphasis on broader partnerships, the Group discussed the positioning of the CGIAR in the global system, one topic in the System Review. It endorsed the report of the Global Forum Steering Committee (GFSC) and the creation of one secretariat for the GFSC, and another for the NARS Global Steering Committee (NARS GSC). Reports from the NGO and Private Sector Committees were welcomed. The System Review was formally launched.The Group endorsed the substance of the 1998 research agenda recommended by TAC, and the reduced financial target of $335-340 million recommended by the Finance Committee. It also endorsed TAC's recommendations for the medium term planning period 1998-2000, and noted the Finance Committee plan to explore a no-growth scenario. It adopted the Finance Committee report on 1996, and recommendations for 1997, including special provisions for CIAT, ICRISAT, and IRRI.The CGIAR agreed to increase biotechnology research. Two new panels under TAC would review biotechnology and intellectual property rights issues. The Group heard from the Genetic Resources Policy Committee (GRPC), reaffirmed open access to center germplasm, and noted the rollover of agreements to put center collections under FAO auspices.The Group agreed on a sustained effort to commit additional resources to Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. It urged TAC to further refine CGIAR activity classifications and develop a logical framework format. The work program of the IAEG was endorsed. Its support and independence would be examined in the System Review. The Group endorsed external program and management reviews (EPMRs) of ICRISAT, ISNAR, and IPGRI. It received reports from the cosponsors, the Oversight Committee, and PARC.Annexes: agenda, lists of documents and participants