23 April 2026, Jakarta: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the Government of Germany signed a Host Country Agreement today, marking a significant step in deepening their long-standing partnership on sustainable development, climate action and global food security as key pillars of global stability and security.
The agreement was signed in Jakarta, Indonesia by CIFOR Director General Robert Nasi and German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, on behalf of the German government and paves the way for the establishment of a CIFOR European secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, climate risks and food insecurity, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to addressing root causes of instability. Sustainable land use, resilient food systems and climate resilience are central to preventing conflict, strengthening livelihoods and enhancing long-term human security.
Building on decades of German support for international research and development cooperation, the establishment of a CIFOR European secretariat in Bonn reflects a continued commitment to science-based solutions that connect global knowledge with local realities. Germany has been a key partner in advancing research on forests, landscapes and agriculture, supporting innovation that improves livelihoods while safeguarding ecosystems.
“In an increasingly complex global context, partnerships grounded in science and innovation are crucial to address root causes of instability,” said Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan. “Germany’s support for the establishment of a CIFOR European secretariat in Bonn is an expression of our commitment to advance sustainable development and safeguard food security, climate resilience and biodiversity through sustainable land use. CIFOR’s secretariat will also further strengthen Bonn as a major hub for international organisations working on climate, environment and sustainable development.”
CIFOR, part of the CGIAR system, is a leading international agricultural research organisation working in more than 60 countries. Its work integrates environmental, economic and social dimensions to develop nature-based solutions, from zero-deforestation agroforestry to landscape restoration and sustainable food systems, contributing to climate protection, biodiversity conservation and improved livelihoods. This approach is grounded in long-term, partnership-based cooperation, a strong focus on impact in priority areas such as food security and resilience in vulnerable regions, and strategic international collaboration to address global challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss and fragile food systems.
“Central to the partnership between CIFOR and Germany is a shared recognition of the forest–farm continuum, the deeply interconnected systems linking forests, farms, and food. From trees on farms that enhance soil fertility and boost crop yields, to forest ecosystems that sustain water cycles, pollination, and climate regulation, our work underscores that sustainable agriculture and forestry must be addressed together. Strengthening this continuum is critical to building resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate shocks, while supporting smallholder farmers and rural communities.” Robert Nasi, Director General, CIFOR.
Through its European secretariat in Bonn, CIFOR supports Germany’s ambition to position Bonn as a leading global hub for sustainability, climate and development cooperation, enhancing access to international research and partner-country experience, strengthening the evidence base for Germany’s contributions to global processes such as UN climate negotiations (UNFCCC), biodiversity frameworks (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and food systems agendas, and deepening links between German development cooperation and international research networks. The Bonn office, building on a long history of collaboration between Germany and CIFOR, also helps advance German initiatives on climate, biodiversity and sustainable food systems, serving as a key interface between global science, policymaking and on-the-ground action across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to science-based solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, climate change, food insecurity and landscape degradation,” said Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CIFOR-ICRAF Chief Executive Officer. ”By strengthening our partnership with Germany, we are better positioned to connect global research with local action, supporting resilient food systems, restoring landscapes and improving livelihoods where it matters most. Together, we are investing in long-term solutions that contribute to stability, sustainability and human well-being.”
Together, these efforts contribute to addressing the structural drivers of fragility and displacement by improving food security, restoring degraded landscapes and promoting sustainable agricultural systems, helping to create economic opportunities and strengthen resilience in vulnerable regions. Germany remains committed to advancing sustainable development, reinforcing global food security and contributing to peace and stability through strong international partnerships in an increasingly complex world.
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