MONTPELLIER, France—Juergen Voegele, senior director of the World Bank’s Agriculture Global Practice, has been appointed as the new chair of the System Council of CGIAR, a governing body of the world’s largest agricultural research partnership.
The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the CGIAR System Council on 12 July when the group decided to move forward with renewed vigor and effectiveness under new governance arrangements. Voegele takes on the CGIAR leadership role while continuing with his current responsibilities at the World Bank.
“Science-led sustainable development of the agriculture and food sectors is key to meeting the big ticket development challenges of hunger, poverty, and climate change,” said Voegele. “I am honored to lead CGIAR as it works to bring the benefits of modern innovation science in the service of poor farmers worldwide.”
Voegele, a German national, is an alumni of the University of Hohenheim in Germany and holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and Crop Production, and a degree in Phytomedicine. At the World Bank, Voegele oversees an annual portfolio of $4 billion of investments in agriculture and food-related projects.
Voegele has played a key role in shaping the global agenda on agriculture and food systems, and is an ardent advocate for climate-smart agriculture that boosts agricultural productivity, increases resilience to climate change, and lowers emissions.
“We are pleased to see the World Bank continuing its leadership and convening roles in CGIAR,” said Robert Bertram, chief scientist, Bureau for Food Security, U.S. Agency for International Development. “Dr. Juergen Voegele’s expertise in agriculture, leadership skills, and passion for development will help to advance CGIAR’s mandate of improving the lives of poor people and sustainability of the planet.”
