CIHEAM Holds its 159th Governing Board Meeting in Tirana

Tirana, 6–7 July 2026 – Delegations from CIHEAM’s 13 Member States gathered in Albania for the 159th Meeting of the Governing Board. Over two days, Board members reviewed the Organisation’s activities, strategic orientations and key institutional developments.

Together with the Secretary General and the Directors of the four Institutes, the President and the Governing Board members reviewed the activities and strategic orientations presented by the General Secretariat and the Institutes of Bari, Chania, Montpellier and Zaragoza. The Board notably welcomed the efforts undertaken to strengthen the coordination of research, science and innovation activities across the Institutes, as well as CIHEAM’s enhanced political dialogue and diplomatic outreach and the steps undertaken with several States towards the enlargement of the Organisation.

It also highlighted ongoing work on food systems transition, joint initiatives with the Union for the Mediterranean on women and innovation in agri-food value chains, progress achieved through the BEANS Meta-Network, and the development of new scientific and academic cooperation.

The Board also reviewed the work of the Advisory Board, budgetary and financial matters, and several issues relating to the Organisation’s governance and operations. It encouraged continued efforts towards a more integrated governance framework and took note of the progress achieved in the areas of diversity, equality and inclusion.

Education and training were also central to the discussions, with the review of the Academic Regulations and the adoption of the CIHEAM Student Code of Conduct, now common to all four Institutes. Discussions also addressed preparations for the 13th Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of CIHEAM Member States, upcoming institutional milestones, and the coordination of CIHEAM’s contributions to major international events, including COP31.

Strengthening Local Innovation Ecosystems for the Future of Young Entrepreneurs

As part of the 159th Meeting, a debate on strengthening local innovation ecosystems brought together representatives from academia, innovation agencies, rural territories and CIHEAM Institutes.

Discussions focused on three key challenges: improving the quality and coordination of innovation support mechanisms; better connecting education, skills and economic opportunities for young people; and strengthening the capacity of territories, particularly rural areas, to create opportunities and retain talent.

The discussions highlighted the need to move beyond the proliferation of isolated initiatives and build ecosystems capable of better connecting public authorities, universities, businesses, support organisations and local communities. They also reaffirmed that innovation cannot remain concentrated in major urban centres and must fully contribute to the development and attractiveness of rural territories.

On this occasion, a video featuring Albanian CIHEAM Alumni was also presented, highlighting their journeys, experiences and contributions to Albania’s development.