6 February 2025, Kobe, Japan – The 57th Steering Committee (SC) Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) concluded successfully, bringing together national Focal Points, Scientific Planning Group members, donor representatives, observers and Secretariat staff.

The meeting opened with remarks from Dr Douglas Hill, the national Focal Point for New Zealand and the SC Chairperson, and Dr Linda Anne Stevenson, Acting Director of the Secretariat, emphasising the importance of APN’s financial and institutional sustainability.

The SC reviewed progress on previous action points and approved the report from the Secretariat, which included stakeholder engagement, recent major activities and budget status. The SC also approved the Terms of Reference and the initial member of the Task Force, which is set to launch in February 2025.

Additionally, the SC discussed APN’s strategic development, including APN portfolios and membership development consultation to secure external funding.

Finally, the 58th SC Meeting is scheduled for July 2025 in Kobe, Japan. The meeting closed with the confirmation of action points, highlighting APN’s ongoing efforts in supporting global change research and regional collaboration.