The CIHEAM Holds its 159th Governing Board Meeting in Tirana

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

Together with the Secretary General and the Directors of the four Institutes, the President and the Governing Board members discussed the activities and strategic directions presented by the General Secretariat and the Institutes of Bari, Chania, Montpellier and Zaragoza. The GB commended the efforts made to strengthen the coordination of research, science and innovation activities across the 4 Institutes, as well as the enhanced political dialogue, diplomatic outreach and the steps undertaken by the CIHEAM with several States towards the enlargement of the Organisation.

The Board 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 GB members also reviewed the work of the Advisory Board, budgetary and financial matters, and several issues relating to the governance and operational aspects of the Organisation. It encouraged continued efforts towards a more integrated governance framework and acknowledged the progress achieved in terms 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 the CIHEAM Member States, upcoming institutional milestones, and the coordination of the CIHEAM's particiatpion in 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.

The 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 trajectories, experiences and contributions to Albania’s development.