Meeting between HUC leadership and APAARI Secretariat

About the event

The meeting between the Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and the leadership of the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) will focus on exchanging knowledge and experience in institution-building, governance, and strategies for organizational transformation toward greater independence and sustainability.

Objectives

• Identify potential areas of synergy and discuss collaborative modalities that align with the missions and visions of both APAARI and HUC.
• Strengthen professional ties and build a foundation for future cooperation to address common challenges and opportunities in agricultural research and development.

Expected outcomes

• Mutual learnings on institution building, governance, and strategies for organizational transformation toward greater independence and sustainability.
• Concrete pathways and modalities for cooperation between APAARI and HUC.

Expected participants

HUC Delegation

1. Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor Karakoram International University, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, Chairperson, HUC Steering Committee
2. Professor Dr. Sara Nowreen, Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Member representing Bangladesh, HUC Steering Committee
3. Dr. Chi Huyen Truong, Executive Officer, HUC Secretariat, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

 
APAARI Secretariat

1. Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director
2. Dr. Margaret Yoovatana, Advisor
3. Mr. Manish Rai, Head of Operations
4. Ms. Samitha Manohar, Partnership and Membership Manager
5. Homaira Jahan Sonam, Technical Officer
6. Sokharath Samnang, Executive Assistant
7. Thansita Tanaphatrujira
   [Possibility of 2-3 Online (Members/Partners)]

Background

The Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) was established in 1990 as an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Since the mid-2000s, APAARI embarked on a journey of transition to autonomy in both legal status and financial independence. The transition period (2017-2023) took numerous and intensive deliberations within APAARI membership and between APAARI leadership and FAO. In 2024, after 4 years since FAO discontinued its financial support, APAARI has transformed into an autonomous organization – with the pipeline legal status (Q-IGO) registered with the Government of Thailand – and financial independence. In 2023, APAARI gross revenue stood at USD1,253,000, 19% of which came from membership subscriptions, 75% from invoiced project income, and 5% from grants and donations. Between July 2023 and June 2024, APAARI organized 61 technical and stakeholder engagement events, co-organized 16, and attended 112 key regional and global meetings.

APAARI maintains its core values of being apolitical, membership-based, and multi-stakeholder engaging. Its Executive Committee consists of 12 Members. The Secretariat Office, located in Bangkok, consists of 7 staff members and 3 consultants. APAARI’s 10th Constitution revised membership categories to include UN Member States and Associate Members (both Inter-governmental organizations and international organizations). ICIMOD is a good-standing member of APAARI and pays its membership due regularly.

At the virtual presentation delivered to the JTF on Tuesday 10 September, Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director of APAARI, suggested HUC’s and ICIMOD’s leadership, if interested, to define the mechanism for the HUC benefits from the same legal status as APAARI. The HUC can consider joining APAARI as an Associate Member or an Alliance. Another possible option is to sign a tripartite agreement between APAARI, ICIMOD, and the HUC. Through the agreed mechanism, the HUC can continue its branding while participating in APAARI activities and projects and jointly mobilize resources. Other operational matters of hosting the Secretariat and financial management will need to be discussed between the two organizations.

About the organisers

The HUC Secretariat coordinates the visit, which is graciously financed by ICIMOD and hosted by the APAARI Secretariat.

Agenda

Rapporteurs: Chi Huyen (Shachi) Truong & an APAARI colleague