This half-day Pre-conference Workshop will explore new opportunities in the face of the current challenges for the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) as it undertakes, in its 45th year, yet more governance reforms in 2016. During these 45 years the CGIAR has contributed to massive improvements in food security in developing countries, and OECD countries including Australia have benefited from substantial technological spill-ins. With the increasing globalization of science and the shifting landscape of research providers, the CGIAR continues to have a critical but ever-evolving leadership role to play in international agricultural research. 

Australians now chair the Boards of 4 of the 15 CGIAR Centres (IFPRI, ILRI, IWMI, WorldFish) and will also Chair CIMMYT’s Board from next October. The country is also present on the Boards of ICRISAT and IRRI; and the D-G’s of two Centres (IRRI and WorldFish) also are Australian. Australia still has much to gain from this multilateral institution, but also a great responsibility to ensure it thrives.