The consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) decided on a reform process to be put in place in 2010. This includes a change in the governance, with two pillars : the fund and the consortium of centres. The CGIAR is looking for a place to host the consortium office and France decided to propose Montpellier.

 

For more on the CGIAR reform process : www.cgiar.org/changemanagement/index.html

Locating the Consortium Office in Montpellier would be a Testimony of Real Change in the CGIAR.

 

Why Montpellier?

• Because science is central to the CGIAR business and Montpellier likely hosts the world’s largest and most dynamic cluster of institutions and labs dedicated to R&D
• Because the governance of the new CGIAR is neither lead by political matters (which would justify a location in a capital city) nor financial ones (which would justify a location in an economic capital), but by science as an operational body
• Because Montpellier is a strong link to Europe and European science for development
• Because Montpellier already works in partnership with research and development organizations in over 110 countries, most of them developing countries
• Because the best way to mobilize science on development challenges, something the CGIAR has been struggling to achieve for a long time, is to “come” to science
• Because Montpellier’s science and technology platform is a square for exchanges, constantly visited by scientists from all over the world, for meetings or longer stays
• Because the Regional Council (Languedoc-Roussillon) is ready to invest in building a new, attractive and functional facility at the heart of the research cluster campus
• Because the CGIAR would benefit from an international status, strongly supported by the French Government
• Because Montpellier is a central location in Europe, well connected to a major air traffic hub in Europe, Paris-Charles de Gaulle
• Because Montpellier is at the heart of one of the most dynamic regions of Europe, a recognized leader for technology transfer
• Because Montpellier is strongly involved in facilitating the set up of international enterprises and their personal (“soft landings” programme)
• Because Montpellier has an outstanding quality of life and environment.