The General Assembly of Centers is a forum for CGIAR Research Centers and the Executive Management Team as non-voting attendees to discuss issues relevant to Centers, including those related to the CGIAR System and CGIAR System Organization, it is therefore an important linking mechanism for the CGIAR System as a whole.
The Centers meet as often as necessary, but at least once in each calendar year as a General Assembly of Centers. The rules of procedure of the General Assembly provide the arrangements to conduct meetings.
Pursuant to the Charter of the CGIAR System Organization, the functions of the General Assembly are:
- Elect the Co-Chairs of the General Assembly of Centers
- Receive the reports of the Chair of the CGIAR System Board and of the Executive Management Team on operations
- Consider proposed amendments to the Charter
- Approve the Center representatives to serve on the System Council
The General Assembly of Centers is Co-Chaired, on an annual rolling basis. The current Co-Chairs are:
- Convener of the Center Board Chairs: Roel Merckx, Chair of the Board of Trustees of IITA
- Convener of the Center Directors General: Mark Smith, Director General of IWMI