The GFAiR Progress and Prospects Meeting

7 April 2025. Nairobi. ​The GFAiR Progress and Prospects Meeting is a pivotal gathering organized by the Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research (GFAiR) to assess advancements, share insights, and strategize future directions in agricultural research and innovation. This meeting convenes stakeholders from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), international organizations, donors, and the private sector to foster collaboration and ensure that research initiatives are effectively aligned with the evolving needs of global food systems.

The meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya and online before the CGIAR Science Week and the Global NARS Consortium launch scheduled on 10 April at 10.30-12.00. The Global NARS Consortium (GNC) aims to transform agricultural research by shifting National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) from passive implementers to active leaders, bridging the gap between research and real-world impact through strategic partnerships, sustainable investments, and a demand-driven agenda. The Call to Action for the Global NARS Consortium (GNC) urges stakeholders to commit to strengthening NARS' leadership in agricultural research through strategic collaboration, resource mobilization, capacity building, and policy advocacy to drive impactful, evidence-based solutions for global agrifood challenges.

This Progress and Prospects meeting provided an overview of the recent work progress on Global NARS Consortium, Collective Actions and explored potential funding and other partnerships to address common challenges and achieve common objectives. 

• Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Chair, GFAiR Steering Committee, Welcome and opening   
• Prof. Dr. Hildegard Lingnau, GFAiR Executive Secretary  - Update on progress and prospects 
• Dr. Selim Louafi, Deputy Director for Research and Strategy, CIRAD -  Keynote speech
• Dr.  Romano De Vivo, Vice-Chair, GFAiR Steering Committee + Francois Stepman GFAiR - Potential funding and other partnerships