21 August 2021, Cambodia – Against the backdrop of COVID-19, governments in Southeast Asia are also challenged to ensure food security in a changing climate. In this context, ASEAN and One CGIAR have embarked on a partnership to take advantage of cross-cutting opportunities and lead regional and multilateral cooperation in the region.
In August, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) organized a discussion on One CGIAR and the ASEAN-One CGIAR Collaboration, highlighting the importance of fostering greater economic linkages, shared capabilities, and a collective mission that remains relevant across various agri-food systems.
Jean Balie, Director General, IRRI & Regional Director, South East Asia and Pacific, One CGIAR, expressed high appreciation for the strong support of MAFF to One CGIAR, and explained the objectives of the OneCGIAR transition as well as the regional focus and integrated initiatives, and One CGIAR Initiatives for Cambodia.
The Cambodian delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Prum Somany, Director at Department of International Cooperation, MAFF, participated in the discussion and reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to working with IRRI and One CGIAR in transforming agri-food systems in Cambodia. Other members of the Cambodian delegation include Dr. Mak Soeun, Deputy Director General, General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) and Mr. Lor Bunna, Director, Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).
Following the discussion, MAFF responded with an official statement of support for One CGIAR during the Special Senior Officials Meeting and 42nd Meeting of The ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (Special SOM 42nd AMAF) on 23 August 2021.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, wishes to endorse IRRI and the One CGIAR’s plan to develop a multi-year research development program together with the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Member States. CGIAR centers,…