Prior to the official opening of the meeting, Louise Fresco, FAO Assistant Director General, gave a eulogy to Dr. Umberto Menini, former Chief of FAO's Seed and PGR Service (ASPS). She highlighted his contributions to horticulture and tropical agriculture, and his love of teaching. Participants are seen here observing a moment of silence in his memory.

Fresco's eulogy

Fresco proceeded to welcome delegates to the first session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. She reminded delegates that the working group's task of furthering the development of a global system of PGRFA, and to provide guidance and review of the implementation of the GPA.

Fresco's opening statement

Dr. N. Murthi Anishetty, FAO Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service, presented on the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Global Plan of Action.

Anishetty's presentation