LMIC INSA NC Meeting

Introduction

• Purpose of the Meeting: Familiarize participants with each other and the organizational structure of Future Earth.

• Overview of Participants:

  • Introduced members from National Committee India (NC India) including Doctor Kalpana and others.

  • Notation of attendance from the Japan Hub and low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Overview of Future Earth

• Future Earth is supported by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

• The organization's goal is to facilitate sustainable solutions through collaboration among scientists and experts.

Participants Introduction

• Each participant introduced themselves along with their affiliation and country.

  • Example Participants:

    • Doctor Kalpana: Professor of Public Health from India.

    • Doctor Swapna: Climate Change Researcher from India.

    • Doctor Abha: Scientist from the Space Applications Center, India.

    • Herbert: Assistant Professor from Gabon focusing on environmental policy.

    • Karen: Professor from South Africa working on nanotechnology.

    • Ramya: Environmental Analytical Chemistry Professor from Jordan.

    • Eduardo: Sustainability Researcher from Colombia.

Structure of Future Earth

Governance and Hubs

• Future Earth operates via nine global secretariat hubs, including South Asia and Japan.

• Each national committee (NC) engages in driving initiatives and activities based on local sustainability challenges.

• Relationship with Global Research Network communities comprising 27 research networks.

Assembly and Committees

• The Future Earth Assembly is held annually.

  • Focus on discussing strategies and assessing sustainability initiatives.

  • Members from LMIC are encouraged to participate actively in the Assembly.

• Regional committees such as the Asia Regional Committee are being formed to enhance collaboration within the region.

Activities and Initiatives

• Discussion of the need for more defined activities and engagements for LMIC representatives.

• Previous activities included webinars and panel discussions with a focus on sustainability.

• Plans to formulate new activities and possible collaborations among members.

Action Items

Meetings Frequency

• Decision debated regarding the frequency of meetings (monthly or bimonthly).

• Consensus seems to favor a bimonthly approach to ensure participants can engage effectively without overwhelming schedules.

Chair and Co-Chairs

• Need for leadership roles within the LMIC group discussed.

• Suggestions made for a co-chair system to ensure representation and inclusion of diverse perspectives in the leadership structure.

• Consensus on the importance of deciding on chairs to help guide the activities and ensure accountability.

Fundraising and Resources

• Clarification needed on available funds for LMIC activities, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts in seeking funding opportunities.

• Suggestions made for joint initiatives that could help in securing funds or resources.

Conclusion

• The meeting concluded with an urge for collaborative efforts to organize and streamline activities for Future Earth, especially concerning the sustainability of low and middle-income countries.

• A follow-up Google document will be created for members to outline potential activities and leadership nominations.