NENA-GNC Consultation: A new chapter for agricultural research in the region
22 July 2026
The Near East and North Africa (NENA) and the Global NARS Consortium (GNC) Online Consultation brought together nearly 50 participants to discuss the role, organisation, and proposed way forward for the NENA-GNC Chapter.
The meeting was organised by the Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research (GFAiR) in partnership with the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA).
A coordinated platform for NARS
In her opening remarks, GFAiR Executive Secretary Joanna Kane-Potaka thanked all participants, noting that this was an exciting time for stakeholders in agricultural research and innovation. She emphasised that the GNC provides a coordinated platform for NARS to speak with one voice and shape global agricultural research agendas.
Dr. Rida A. Shibli, Executive Secretary of AARINENA, highlighted that the GNC is emerging as a strong voice to strengthen regional agricultural research. He noted that the aspect of co-creation resonates with the challenges the world is facing, such as climate change and food insecurity.
"Thanks to the GNC, we now have a structural way to conduct our affairs in NENA. Let us approach the initiative with openness and shared commitment to make NENA a strong voice in global agricultural research." — Dr. Rida A. Shibli
NENA-GNC Chapter way forward
Dr. Didem Kökden, NENA-GNC Chapter Regional Coordinator, presented the draft charter for the GNC-NENA regional chapter, explaining its purpose as a coordination mechanism within AARINENA to strengthen regional cooperation and engagement with the GNC.
"The GNC exists to strengthen the voice of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS). The objective is not to create another structure, but to give countries a platform to engage in a more impactful and structured manner and strengthen regional agricultural research coordination." — Dr. Didem Kökden
She emphasised that the NENA-GNC Chapter does not create new structures but operates within AARINENA to maximise regional cooperation.
Call To Action
Her closing call to action was clear: "Please do not be late to joining GNC."
AR-QCI Initiative as possible flagship project
Dr. Kökden also introduced the Agricultural Research Quality, Comparability and Impact Initiative (AR-QCI) as a possible NENA-GNC Flagship Project.
"AR-QCI Initiative is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a voluntary initiative that connects research quality, comparability of results and practical impact – integrating existing international references."
She outlined the practical gains for countries, research institutions, and researchers:
- For countries: A clear national picture of research priorities, capacities, evidence, and gaps.
- For research institutions: Clearer and more consistent quality requirements across research projects.
- For researchers: Clear expectations for design, methods, validation, documentation, data, and reporting.
The AR-QCI Initiative is intended to provide a practical entry point for the NENA Chapter by supporting agricultural research quality, comparability, and impact through a voluntary framework that organises and connects existing standards, methodologies, guidance, indicators, and partnership principles across the agricultural research cycle.
The two-hour session was moderated by the GNC Coordinator Dr. Botir Dosov.
Next steps:
- Dr. Rida Shibli: Formulate a plan of action for the AR-QCI Initiative, including steps for regional and inter-regional collaboration, identification of priority thematic entry points, and consideration of a funding proposal. Also, move ahead with the next step for the GNC-NENA Chapter by requesting each country to appoint a coordinator to work with the GNC.
- Dr Botir Dosov: Collect and consolidate feedback from participants on the AR-QCI Initiative and discuss the next steps based on this input.
GFAiR stands ready to continue working closely with AARINENA on these next steps, including supporting the further development of the NENA GNC Chapter and working together on the possible scaling out of the AR-QCI Initiative across regions, in response to the strong interest expressed during the consultation.
About the Global NARS Consortium
Following the recommendations of the CGIAR HLAP report on how to better partner with the Global South, the GFAiR was entrusted by the Regional Fora on Agricultural Research with the task of developing the Global NARS Consortium. This mandate was formalised through the Declaration signed in Bangkok in March 2023.
The GNC, supported by the European Commission, brings together National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) from around the world to collectively address the challenges facing agricultural research and development. Its core mission is to amplify the collective voice of NARS, strengthen their global representation, and foster partnerships between the Global South and international research organisations.