10-11 January 2011
FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy

During the days 10 and 11 January, a meeting of the Global Consortium of Higher Education and Research for Agriculture (GCHERA) Executive Committee and Representatives of the Global Regional University Associations was held at FAO Headquarters.

The meeting focused on agriculture and life sciences and aimed at define and agree definitive proposals to move GCHERA to a Confederation of Regional University Associations relating to agriculture and life sciences; explore possible roles for GCHERA beyond the current activity of a biannual conference and explore the possibility of GCHERA developing as a partner to other international organizations, such as FAO, in the development of sustainable rural economies worldwide. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Philippe Chroquet (President GCHERA) and Mr. Anton Mangstl (FAO, Officer in Charge, Deputy Director-General, Knowledge). The meeting was organized in preparation of the “7th World Conference of GCHERA” that will be held from 27 to 29 June 2011 in Bouvais, France. The event will focus on Education for Sustainable Development, Research and Innovation Strategies and Partnership Strategies with Local Stakeholders, and Strategic Positioning.