GFAiR Regional Fora and Steering Committee meeting

7 - 8 June 2026.  Antalya, Turkey. The Global Forum for Agricultural and Innovation Research (GFAiR), the Regional Fora and its Steering Committee meeting brought together representatives from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), Central Asia and the Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (CACAARI), Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), Forum of the Americas for Agricultural Research and Technological Development (FORAGRO), European Forum on Agricultural Research for Development (EFARD), Steering Committee members, and the GFAiR Secretariat for a strategic dialogue on the future direction of GFAiR and the Global NARS Consortium (GNC).

The forum was graced by Dr. Didem Kökden, senior International Relations Coordinator and expert at the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies - TAGEM. Turkey). 

The Regional Fora workshop focused on assessing the changing funding landscape, identifying priority activities for the current no-cost extension period, strengthening collaboration among regional partners, and exploring opportunities for joint resource mobilization. Participants also reviewed GFAiR’s strategic focus, including its Theory of Change, Collective Actions approach, equitable partnerships agenda, and future hosting arrangements, while discussing proposals for future support from the European Commission and other funding partners.

The Steering Committee workshop built on the outcomes of the Regional Fora discussions and concentrated on enhancing the strategic role and influence of the Committee within GFAiR. 

Recognizing the unique multi-stakeholder composition of the Steering Committee, participants explored how to better leverage its diverse constituencies to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and resource mobilization across the global agrifood innovation and research ecosystem. The meeting provided an opportunity to define protocols for more effective engagement, identify shared priorities and collaborative initiatives, and reinforce the Steering Committee’s role in guiding GFAiR’s strategic direction and future development.