This issue of Caravan chronicles ICARDA’s efforts in developing a research strategy and a need-based research program for the CAC region. In doing so, ICARDA played a major role in bringing together all partners, most importantly donors. The article on page 8 traces the history of this effort and provides an overview of the current status of collaboration. The research program for the CAC region includes crop improvement; management of natural resources of land, water and biodiversity; nutrition and management of livestock; and rehabilitation of rangelands and assessment of their role in carbon sequestration and global climate change. Highlights of the key achievements in these areas of research are reported in this issue.