Strengthening policy research and analytical capacity in Eurasia is critical for the region’s agricultural transformation and for development of inclusive food systems. A recent program supported by the Russian Federation and jointly implemented by the World Bank, IFPRI, and ECFS at Lomonosov Moscow State University has helped to strengthen capacities of research and educational institutions and individual researchers in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries in the region. By facilitating a network of institutions and researchers, the program has helped actors in Eurasian food policy systems engage effectively with policy, research, and capacity development objectives.

Reporting from this collaborative project, webinar speakers will present recent research and case study findings and discuss key lessons for strengthening Eurasia’s food policy systems. Speakers will highlight how providing evidence-based policy support, effectively engaging with policymakers, and supporting the next generation of policy analysts through educational and capacity development programs offer a path to strengthen the region’s policy systems in the face of pressing social, economic, health, and environmental challenges.

Opening Remarks

• Renaud Seligmann, Country Director for the Russian Federation, Europe and Central Asia, World Bank Group
• Steven Schonberger, Director for Sustainable Development Practice, Europe and Central Asia Region, World Bank Group
• Sergey Shoba, Director, Eurasian Center for Food Security, Lomonosov Moscow State University 
• Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI 

Speakers

• Kamiljon Akramov, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Suresh Babu, Senior Research Fellow & Head of Capacity Strengthening, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Katrina Kosec, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Artavazd Hakobyan, Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank Group (Presentation)
• Roman Romashkin, Deputy Director for Development, Eurasian Center for Food Security (ECFS) (Presentation)
• Derrill Watson, Associate Professor & Department Head, Tarleton State University (Presentation)

Moderator

• Frauke Jungbluth, Practice Manager, Agriculture and Food, Europe and Central Asia, World Bank Group

A blog will be available in the days following the event.