The evolution of the network of IRD representatives, of which effective implementation began at the end of 2016, has two priority objectives:
In 2017, the network expanded to around ten new countries. This means that at the end of 2017, IRD had a differentiated network with representatives in 40 countries (31 at the end of 2016).
The principle of equitable partnership, which is central to the ambitions of IRD’s POS, was embodied by the launch of the first scientific and strategic steering committees (CPSS). With an equal number of members from the North and South and of both genders, these committees will be led by representatives in 24 countries. They will help to improve consideration of the partners’ research and development issues in the definition of IRD’s country strategies, but also provide better coordination with the “French team” abroad. The first strategic steering committee meetings were held in 2017 in Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Senegal, and the members of these committees have already been identified in around 10 countries.
Mutualisations of the representation role also took place in 2017 in Tunisia with Cirad, in Madagascar with the National Natural History Museum (MNHN), and in Ethiopia with the French Centre for European studies (CFEE).
Efforts to work more closely with regional organisations which are a priority for IRD, were launched with support from the representatives: signing of a framework agreement with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), dialogues started with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and with the African Union Commission (AUC), exchanges with the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Latin America and Caribbean regional meeting of the IRD network, held in Peru in December 2017, allowed thematic priorities to be identified for the Institute in the region. These will form the core of the regional strategy.