03 October 2026, Cairo, Egypt: ICARDA brought together government and diplomatic representatives, donors, research institutions, development organizations, and partners in Cairo to honor Director General Aly Abousabaa as he approaches the end of his decade-long tenure and to welcome Dr. Nizar Haddad as ICARDA’s incoming Director General.
Mr. Abousabaa will complete his tenure on 30 September, and Dr. Haddad will assume the role on 1 October.
A decade shaped by change and partnership
Opening the reception, ICARDA Board Chair Dr. Tareq Al Zabet reflected on the challenges ICARDA has navigated since Mr. Abousabaa took office in 2016, including the complexities of operating as a newly decentralized organization across multiple countries, as well as financial pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and major changes across CGIAR.
He credited Mr. Abousabaa with strengthening ICARDA’s institutional position while building relationships across the agricultural research and development community.
“In the face of significant challenges, Aly has succeeded in transforming ICARDA through strategic repositioning, integration of science, effective restructuring and staff deployment, and – importantly – through building effective relationships with colleagues, partners, donors, scientists, government officials, CGIAR leadership, and many others who have ICARDA’s mission at heart.”
In his farewell address, Mr. Abousabaa reflected on what that decade had produced. He described an institution that had strengthened its planning, accountability, financial, and operational systems while expanding investment in science and infrastructure. Scientific work evolved across climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, digital agriculture, dryland restoration, resilient livestock, biodiversity, and integrated food systems.
But Mr. Abousabaa placed particular emphasis on the partnerships that made this work possible.
“Our partner governments and national agricultural research systems have kept our work grounded in the realities of the regions and communities we serve,” he said. “Our donors have sustained ICARDA through a decade of considerable uncertainty and enabled investment not only in research, but in the partnerships and capabilities needed to create lasting impact.”
He thanked the governments, ministries, diplomatic missions, donor organizations, research institutions, and CGIAR partners who had supported ICARDA throughout his tenure.
Welcoming the next Director General
For Dr. Haddad, the reception represented an opportunity to meet some of ICARDA’s partners as he begins the transition into his new role. He acknowledged the institution he is inheriting from Mr. Abousabaa.
“ICARDA is a big boat, with a long history, a strong mission, and many people depending on it to keep moving in the right direction. As I prepare to take on this responsibility, I am very grateful to Aly for the time he has given me over these past two weeks. He has shared his advice very generously, spoken openly about the challenges and opportunities ahead, and offered a great deal of wisdom from his experience. I deeply appreciate that guidance, and I know I will carry much of it with me as I begin this next chapter for ICARDA.”
Dr. Haddad said he would spend his first months listening, learning, and engaging with ICARDA’s staff and partners to understand their priorities, strengthen existing collaborations, and build new partnerships.
CGIAR marks the transition
The reception also included a recorded message from Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, offering her reflections on Mr. Abousabaa’s tenure and welcoming Dr. Haddad.
“Aly, you were a steady partner as we brought the CGIAR centers closer together. I’m very grateful to you for your leadership, your wise advice, and your openness with your colleagues within the CGIAR Global Leadership team. Thank you for everything you have done for ICARDA, for CGIAR, and for the region over the years. Nizar, welcome to CGIAR! ICARDA will need all your experience in translating science into results for farmers and communities. I look forward to working with you.”
A formal farewell
Following a tribute video, Board Vice Chair Dr. Mouwafak Jbour joined Dr. Al Zabet in presenting Mr. Abousabaa with a commemorative gift in recognition of his contribution to ICARDA.
“We would like to present you with a token of appreciation for your incredible contribution to ICARDA. We thought that this sculpture symbolizes the seed you have planted in ICARDA that will continue to grow into a beautiful plant.” Dr. Jbour said.
Mr. Abousabaa closed the evening by thanking the Board, colleagues, partners, and his family for their support throughout his tenure.
“My tenure as Director General comes to an end. But my connection to ICARDA does not,” he said. “I will remain proud to be an ambassador for its science, its people, and its mission.”
ICARDA staff bid farewell to Mr. Abousabaa and welcome Dr. Haddad
Earlier that day, ICARDA staff joined in person and remotely to mark the end of Mr. Abousabaa’s ten years as Director General.
Reflecting on his time at ICARDA, he said:
“When you live through ten years in an institution, you don’t experience them as a series of milestones. You experience them through people.”
He thanked colleagues across research, country offices, research stations, and support functions, emphasizing the contribution of those working both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.
“I want to thank all of you — those who have been here for many years and those who joined recently; those working in research and those supporting research; our country offices and research stations; and the people whose work is highly visible, as well as the many whose work happens quietly in the background.”
Dr. Haddad thanked staff for their welcome and said he would spend the coming months getting to know colleagues across ICARDA.
“Your work and your stories are important to me,” Dr. Haddad told staff.
Early engagement with ICARDA partners in Egypt
Ahead of formally assuming his role, Dr. Haddad has begun engaging with ICARDA’s partners during his time in Cairo. He joined Mr. Abousabaa in meetings with Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) and the National Water Research Center (NWRC), where they discussed water scarcity, irrigation efficiency, climate change, and how to apply research to strengthen food and water security.
At NWRC, discussions also explored collaboration on water productivity, non-conventional water resources, desalination, salinity and soil health, and climate-smart agriculture.
At the Desert Research Center (DRC), discussions focused on expanding collaboration and sharing research expertise in dryland development, including rainwater harvesting, water resources, livestock development, date palm production, rangeland management, and combating desertification.
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