Strengthening Systemwide Activities: Draft Progress Report by the CBC

Report by the Committee of Board Chairs (CBC) presenting preliminary ideas for improving the governance and funding of systemwide activities in the CGIAR which presented special challenges for center boards. The report commented on the findings of the 'Review of Systemwide Programmes with an Ecoregional Approach' (the Henzell Report) and TAC's response to it, and extended discussion to the seven systemwide activities not defined by ecoregion. Four suggestions for improvement were presented: 1. Identify best practices based on analyses of the strengths and weaknesses of all systemwide activities.2. Evaluate the present portfolio.3. Improve governing arrangements.4. Align governing arrangements better with objectives and funding.The report was presented by Walter Falcon, chair of the CBC, at CGIAR International Centers Week 1999.