How does the CGIAR maintain an open dialogue with CSOs?
In addition to the programs outlined above, the CGIAR organizes both face-to-face and virtual dialogues with CSOs. A CSO Forum is convened at the CGIAR’s Annual General Meeting every other year. The first such CSO-CGIAR Forum took place during in December 2006 in Washington DC, and featured a series of lively group discussions aimed at identifying lessons learned and new avenues for improved collaboration. With more than 100 CSO present, The Forum was able to draw on the experience of nearly 50 current CSO-CGIAR partnerships. The CGIAR facilitates periodic on-line discussions with CSOs through a listserv. The first virtual conversation took place prior to the CSO-CGIAR Forum during AGM 06, and the main purpose was to give participants an opportunity to get to know one another and learn about a wide range of collaborative experiences.
