On 16 February, the WorldFish Board of Trustees and CGIAR announced they have appointed Essam Yassin Mohammed as WorldFish director-general and CGIAR senior director of aquatic foods.
Mohammed is assuming the position immediately after having worked on an interim basis in both positions since 4 January, 2022.
"I am truly humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to lead WorldFish in our pursuit to transform food, land and water systems with aquatic foods by developing and delivering best-fit-for-context, world-class innovations adapted for today’s fast-paced global economy and the climate crisis, delivering a triple-win for nature, climate and people,” Mohammed said.
Prior to his new role as director-general, Mohammed was the global lead for climate resilience and environmental sustainability at WorldFish.
“From a field of many qualified candidates, it became clear to the nominations committee that Dr. Mohammed displayed the best qualities which WorldFish needs at present. These included an equity-first approach to science and knowledge in aquatic foods and fish breeding, a compelling vision of where our sector requires unique comparative and competitive contributions from WorldFish science and interdependent aquatic foods in the CGIAR and an inclusive approach to leadership and team development,” WorldFish Board of Trustees Chair Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar said.
Mohammed also serves on numerous advisory bodies such as the Group of Experts for the Second Cycle of Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, as well as Socioeconomic Aspects of the United Nations.
“Ensuring equitable and sustainable access to food from water will be essential if we are to end hunger and advance the U.N. sustainable development goals by 2030," CGIAR Executive Managing Director Claudia Sadoff said. "Dr. Mohammed is a passionate advocate for the potential for 'blue capital’ to help alleviate hunger and poverty, and a champion for CGIAR’s goal to provide food and nutrition security for all.”
Photo courtesy of Essam Yassin Mohammed/LinkedIn
