Between 18 and 19 November 2020 ICGEB headquarters in Trieste, Italy hosted the 26th session of the ICGEB GOVERNORS' BOARD. Over 130 delegates from 65 countries met online to discuss ICGEB activities - biotechnology research initiatives, the global battle against Covid19, partnership development and capacity building for sustainable development.

From the event agenda:

• The Director of the ICGEB Regional Research Centre in Taizhou, China, Dr. Yili Yang, introduced the Taizhou Regional Research Centre;



• The Governors of Kenya, Republic of Moldova, Sri Lanka and Panama have updated information on the ICGEB regional research centres in their countries. Among the other items for discussion: the reappointment of directors in New Delhi and Cape Town, the collaboration with South Africa and the renewed Host Country Agreement and ICGEB Outstation in Buenos Aires, Argentina;
• More than 12 countries from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America were present as observers. Delegates from Djibouti, Angola and the Dominican Republic updated the Council on their countries' actions towards ICGEB membership. The President of the European and International Affairs Chamber of the Italian Court of Auditors, Giovanni Coppola presented the report on the ICGEB financial statements and accounts;
• Observers from 13 organisations including the European Commission, FAO, IAEA, IILA, IRRI, TWAS, UNIDO, UNOSSC and WIPO also participated. Delegates from the CIS and the FVG Region were present from Trieste, as well as the President of ILLY, Andrea Illy.