No, this isn’t a Nolan movie where we dream that we dream that we dream. There’s simply no other way to acknowledge Francisco Beiner’s more than thirty years of dedication and commitment to CIAT, particularly to the Executive Secretariat.

In 1992, as a project manager, he, and I as a consultant, crossed paths for the first time, and since then, the camaraderie of colleagues and above all the friendship were forged, increased, and consolidated, from his role as a supervisor on more than one project to being office neighbors in our Executive Secretariat.

Francisco’s contribution to CIAT is undeniable. Just recall that from the Operations Directorate, he has been the point of contact in our relationship with the member countries, particularly with the Executive Council and the Finance Subcommittee, and very particularly with the correspondents.

But, the clearest way to recognize him is by looking in the rearview mirror of this imaginary vehicle called CIAT and remembering the General Assemblies and Technical Conferences we have had over the last two decades. The visualization of those events, full of innovation, good practices, fantastic presentations, informative and entertaining roundtables… Well, yes, to a large extent, the success in all these things has been thanks to Francisco Beiner.

In our work at CIAT, Francisco, and making an analogy as this post coincides with the great continental football tournaments, has always been a team player, covering the entire field, collaborating with everyone, contributing on different fronts, with his direct support to each of us, whether to mark and recover the ball, or to generously provide the assist for the goal that secures the match. That’s how we all feel, and certainly, especially, the “Mister”, the Executive Secretary.

At the end of last June, after more than 30 years, Francisco retired, leaving us with this bittersweet feeling of shared achievements and anticipated nostalgia that surely all CIAT friends will share.

Personally, I am sure that our friendship will continue, that dialogues on tax matters will continue, perhaps a little overshadowed by talks about football or classic rock, black holes or artificial intelligence, or any other of the many topics we enjoy chatting about.

This is, of course, news about an important change in the Executive Secretariat, but also a tribute to my friend Pancho’s career.

To Pancho, a hug, to you all, greetings and good luck.

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