Inger Andersen, CGIAR Fund Council Chair

On July 16, 2010, the CGIAR Fund Council appointed Inger Andersen as the New CGIAR Fund Council Chair. Ms. Andersen has an impressive track record of results on the ground and is known for her ability to address issues across sectors and regions. She has a strong appreciation for the important role of science and technology for rural development, and is committed to strengthening the delivery of research results to improve the livelihoods of small farmers. Ms. Andersen brings a wealth of experience from her work with the World Bank and previously at the United Nations. A Danish national, Ms. Andersen was recently appointed World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development. Since joining the Bank in 2001, she has held a variety of posts, including: Sector Director for Sustainable Development in Africa; Sector Manager for Water and Urban Development in Africa; Director for the Water, Agriculture and Social Development Department, Middle East and North Africa; and Director of the Sustainable Development Department in the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to joining the Bank, Inger worked at the United Nations in New York for 12 years, including in UNDP's Regional Bureau of Arab States and in the United Nations Drought and Desertification Office. While at the UN, Inger also served on the UN's three- member delegation to the Middle East Multilateral Peace Talks. Inger received her Master's Degree in Development Economics and African Politics from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies. She succeeds outgoing Fund Council Chair Katherine Sierra.