Message of Katherine Sierra
Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing to share my decision to retire at the end of June this year from my position as
the World Bank Vice President of Sustainable Development and therefore also from my
role as the Chair of the CGIAR Fund Council. After 32 years of service, it is time for me
to turn my attention to other aspects of my life.
The past four years working with the CGIAR have been truly gratifying because of what
we have been able to achieve together. The CGIAR’s rapid response to the food price
crisis of 2008 and its track record in tackling the twin challenges of food security and
environmental sustainability demonstrate the growing importance of this science
network in confronting the global challenges we face today. The reform process we
embarked on together is preparing the system to become even more strategic in
tackling global challenges.
I remain thoroughly committed to seeing the CGIAR reform process through during the
next important phase: endorsing and launching the partnership's new Strategy and
Results Framework and the initial set of Mega Programs at the inaugural Funders
Forum and second Fund Council meetings this coming July in Rome, which I plan to
chair. World Bank President Robert Zoellick has nominated Inger Anderson as my
successor to head the Sustainable Development Vice Presidency and as the Bank's
nominee for Fund Council Chair. Inger will attend the July meetings when I will hand
over my responsibilities to her capable hands.
Currently the World Bank Sector Director for Sustainable Development in the Africa
region, Inger brings a wealth of experience from her work on sustainable development
at the World Bank and previously at the United Nations. She has an impressive track
record of results on the ground and is known for her ability to manage across different
sectors and to reach across regions. She is also known for her appreciation of the role
of science and technology for rural development, and her commitment to strengthening
research delivery for improving smallholder farmers' livelihoods. A brief biography for
Inger follows below. I assure you that she will be an excellent asset in the next phase of
building the new CGIAR.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you toward our shared goal of
reducing poverty and hunger. Thank you for all you do in support of the CGIAR mission.
Although I will retire I will continue championing agricultural research and I will look
forward to following your continued achievements.
Sincerely,
Katherine Sierra