Message from CIO

JUNE 2007 - As I look back over the past three years, I see a CGIAR in transition and feel privileged that the ICT-KM Program has been able to make a significant contribution towards System-wide change by applying information and communications technology (ICT) and knowledge management (KM) approaches to assist scientists around the globe to carry out research more efficiently.

The Program, which kicked off with 14 inter-related projects in 2004, has improved connectivity in the CGIAR and now enables staff, even those located in remote regions, to access a wide range of online tools and services. One of our projects has also given staff the necessary know-how to collaborate and share information in a way that is beneficial to all participants.

Milestones in the Program's short history include the launch of the CGIAR's first System-wide intranet/extranet and library; strengthened communities; increased awareness and application of Monitoring and Evaluation methodologies; financial savings; increased international recognition; and the development and implementation of Knowledge Management/Sharing tools and approaches.

Although solid progress has been made towards a shared vision of a seamless CGIAR System, much more needs to be done if we are to maintain and build on our work to date. It is vital that we maintain our present momentum, and this is where the Program's new Investment Plan comes into play.

Our plans for 2007 will provide further support to consolidate the gains to date of activities started under the 2004 Investment Plan and extend the Program's focus beyond the CGIAR Centers' infrastructure to improving broader access to scientific data. In addition, further applications will be developed, uses and users will be expanded, and training and ICT-KM exposure will be broadened to reach more staff. While all of this is being accomplished, the complementary step of reaching out to partners will be accelerated. Indeed, this has already begun.

If you would like to know more about the Program or join us in our efforts to improve international agricultural research on behalf of the world's poor, please write to us.

Collaborate, create, communicate... this is our motto.

Enrica Porcari
CGIAR Chief Information Officer
Leader, ICT-KM Program