Guidelines

What is an Expert Cluster?

Expert Clusters focus on overcoming the obstacles that currently prevent sustainable finance at scale. They  examine newest trends and tools to arrive at solutions for connecting global funds with local farms and forests.

The goal of Expert Clusters is not to introduce specific initiatives or products, but to provide a framework that allows experts from various sectoral backgrounds and organizations to jointly explore a question and propose combined solutions.

All Expert Clusters will be organized in roundtable with the majority of time set aside for Q&A and discussions. The audience seated around the main table will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the discussion (see below for details).

Who can host an Expert Cluster?

All event Coordinating Partners (CIFOR, UNEP, World Bank, Credit Suisse) will host at least one Expert Cluster. The remaining slots are open to a small group of pre-selected organizations, which can apply by completing the application form below.

Organizers encourage institutions to team up across sectors and to invite experts representing a range of perspectives.

A Steering Committee formed by representatives from all Coordinating Partners will jointly select cluster session hosts.  The Steering Committee may suggest mergers or experts for the roundtables.

What topics can Expert Clusters address?

Topics of Expert Clusters could include (but are not limited to):
  • Connecting financial tools and landscapes – aggregators and strategic interventions
  • The data we need for land use finance decision-making
  • Minimizing investment risks (tenure, climate and markets)
  • Bringing microfinance to scale
  • Strategic financial system changes
  • Building a strong deal pipeline, assessing returns on investment
Please note that this is an indicative list compiled to illustrate potential topics. Feel free to suggest additional topics that you think are relevant in the form below.

What is the format of an Expert Cluster?

Each Expert Cluster will last 120 minutes and will be based on a white paper which will frame the main questions.

To stimulate interactive exchange and a lively debate, the session will consist of up to five experts and one facilitator seated at a round table. Other session participants (between 30-40 per session) will be seated in concentric circles around the table. They will have the opportunity to contribute to discussions. No provisions for PowerPoint presentations will be made.

Expert Cluster hosts have the discretion to choose the format of their sessions, including methods for moderation and knowledge sharing. The Steering Committee will review ideas for knowledge sharing and facilitation techniques.

Facilitators play a key role in guiding the discussions and the Steering Committee will carefully asses proposed facilitators in the selection process.

Expert speakers seated at the roundtable will kick off discussions through short interventions outlining the main challenges as well as possible solutions related to the session’s main topic. We ask that hosts of Expert Clusters include representatives of various organizations, with an emphasis on experiences from financial institutions. Partnerships between public and private entities are strongly encouraged.

Organizers can draw on a pool of talented and experienced young professionals as well as Master-level students and PhD candidates who can assist in facilitating Expert Clusters. The Youth in Landscapes Initiative will help in matching suitable candidates with sessions relevant to their background.

What is the process leading up to Expert Clusters?
To ensure that all Expert Cluster participants as well as those following online are informed about cluster session content, organizers ask cluster hosts to prepare a short and concise white paper (3-15 pages) outlining the background behind the cluster session and the questions they would like to address at the event.

Organizers encourage cluster session hosts to draw on existing materials and studies for these white papers. A template for white papers will be shared with hosts of accepted cluster sessions.

Please submit your application by filling out the online form below. You can direct further questions to Ms. Ann-Kathrin Neureuther at a.neureuther@cgiar.org

What support will hosts of Expert Clusters receive?

Organizers offer:
  • Support in editing and designing background briefs
  • Free entrance to the event for expert speakers, facilitators and up to 10 additional invitees
  • Assistance in selecting expert speakers
  • Online preparation workshop for facilitators
  • Logistical support at the event
  • Recommendations from all Expert Clusters will be featured in the event’s outcome document
Important dates:

4 April: Closing date for applications

11 April: Steering Committee informs applicants of the success of their application.

16 May: Final submission date for white papers

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* Content focal point:

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* Communication focal point:

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* Rapporteur / note taker:

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* Lead Organization:

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* Partner organizations:
Please note that event organizers strongly encourage cooperation between organizations from different backgrounds.

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* Email:

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* Telephone:

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* Skype:

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* Website:

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* Address:

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* Main issue your Expert Cluster will explore:

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* Three key questions your Expert Cluster will aim to answer:

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* Please briefly describe the content of your Expert Cluster session:
(max. 300  words)

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* Please briefly describe the method you will be using to engage the audience:
(max. 150 words)
Contact the organizers should you face difficulties in selecting an appropriate method.

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* Please describe your ideal Expert Cluster outcome and how you will build on this outcome beyond the event:
(max. 150 words)

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* Please describe the ideal mix of participants you would like to reach through your cluster:

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* Proposed expert speakers:
Please note that the main role of speakers will be providing incentives for discussions –  all interventions should be geared towards discussion among participants. The Steeering Committee will not accept cluster sessions structured as panel discussions. There won’t be any opportunities for PowerPoint presentations.

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* Background reading:
Provide Internet links or full and accurate titles for up to 5 publications.

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* Are you interested in working with a young professional or student who can assist with facilitation on the day?
Please note that we are looking for facilitators who can lead an interactive discussion. Ideally, facilitators should have a long track-record in landscape finance as well as experience in moderating interdisciplinary discussions.

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* Would you like to ask event organizers to recommend speakers?

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* Number of speakers needed:
If you would like organizers to recommend speakers.

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* Desired speakers background / contribution:
If you would like organizers to recommend speakers.

Invoice information will be required if administrative fees are applied to successful applicants.

(Organizing partners will not be charged)

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* Invoice Recipient Name:

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* Invoice Recipient Email:

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* Invoice Recipient Address:

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