The CIFOR-ICRAF Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ravi Prabhu as Director General ad interim (a.i.) of World Agroforestry (ICRAF) effective 1 October 2022.
Making the announcement, Prof Getachew Engida, Board Chair said, “We are pleased to have Dr Prabhu at the helm to help us deliver urgent and effective solutions to some of the world’s greatest environmental and development challenges.”
“Thinking ahead to the responsibilities that you have entrusted me with, I intend to do my utter best to fulfil and exceed expectations and the responsibilities entrusted to me,” said Dr Prabhu to staff. “I fully intend for my role to be meaningful, innovative and constructive – we must use every precious second available to leap forward.”
Dr Prabhu is a hugely accomplished scientist who has engaged in multidisciplinary research and action in forested landscapes for almost 20 years with different organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme, CGIAR and CIFOR. In 2005, he received the Queen’s Award for Forestry at Buckingham Palace in 2005 for his work on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. In 2012 he joined ICRAF as Deputy Director General, and he has served on numerous international initiatives and committees. Dr Prabhu earned his professional degree and a doctorate in forestry from the University of Goettingen, Germany.
Dr Prabhu takes over from Prof Tony Simons, whom the Board, management and staff recognize for his tremendous leadership and significant contributions made to ICRAF over his 28 years of service. His achievements include his leading role as CIFOR-ICRAF Executive Director in the visionary collaboration with CIFOR on merging the world’s premier forestry and agroforestry research institutions.
During multiple farewell events and celebrations this week, Tony was reminded of the incredible social dimensions that enrich life at CIFOR-ICRAF. He concluded his 28-year tenure by saying “the brilliance, utility and worthiness of CIFOR-ICRAF work and impact are logically supported by investors and beneficiaries; although the real treasure of the institute resides in the dedication and linkages of CIFOR-ICRAF staff and delivery partners”.
CIFOR-ICRAF looks forward to Tony’s continued dedication and new forms of collaboration as it continues to seek solutions to global challenges.
