What is central to CGIAR’s identity as a research for development partnership? Experimentation and learning.
Leo Buscaglia reminds us, “Change is the end result of all true learning.” This idea is central to the purpose of CGIAR’s advisory bodies: to help CGIAR’s governance and leadership answer difficult questions and support CGIAR’s commitment to learning. Our independent evaluations and scientific and methodological advice seek to catalyze learning that steers sound decisions, and fosters brave conversations both about successes as well as those hard-won lessons about failures.
As we reflect on the year that is closing, 2025 has been a year to embrace learning and prepare for change. For all of us contributing to CGIAR’s mission, it has been a year to ask: What are the most important things that will support CGIAR’s progress in delivering its mission? Plans have been revisited, priorities sharpened, and change has been thrust upon us. Teams across CGIAR have needed to home in on what matters most – and draw on our reserves of resilience.
Our ability to learn and grow, even, and especially, under challenging conditions, is fundamental to our human and organizational resilience. A mindset that views shortage and constraint as powerful boosts to creativity is the foundation of the learning and resilience journey. Beyond institutional learning, this year has also reminded us of the human dimensions of resilience.
Another fundamental aspect of resilience is the ability to find joy and take rest. As we prepare for a joyful and restorative moment in the year, and to celebrate the new year ahead, we wish all readers of this message a wonderful holiday season. Our final 2025 mailing features the motif of Learning and Resilience, bringing together materials from CGIAR’s advisory bodies that invite reflection and support our continued ability to learn and adapt in 2026.
We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated for the coming year.
With all best wishes for a happy new year!
