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The 33rd meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP-33) in Asunción, Paraguay, focused on strengthening regional scientific cooperation to address global environmental change. Key outcomes include the adoption of the Asunción Declaration on Water Security, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience, the establishment of the Indigenous People Advisory Committee (IPAC), and the launch of new transdisciplinary and science diplomacy curricula. The meeting also addressed funding uncertainties for Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs) and approved the appointment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC) as Associates. A special session on Paraguay highlighted the increasing intensity of droughts and wildfires, emphasizing the need for improved early warning systems and the integration of science into diplomatic negotiations for water management.

This document is a report on the 2023 Extraordinary meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held via videoconference on 18 April 2023. The primary purpose of the meeting was the election of a new Executive Director for the IAI.

The 23rd CoP of the IAI focused on strengthening the interface between science and policy, approving the 2015-2016 operational budget and annual plan, and establishing a working group for open science. Member countries reported on national climate communications and adaptation plans, while the IAI leadership emphasized the need to move from ad hoc scientific communication to a systematic approach for decision-makers. The conference also addressed financial challenges, noting unpaid contributions from Brazil and Mexico, and discussed strategic partnerships with Future Earth and FAPESP.

The 38th Meeting of the IAI Executive Council focused on establishing the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), drafting a statement on climate change adaptation for the UNFCCC COP 20, and adopting Research Gate to enhance scientific collaboration. The Council also elected a new leadership board and reviewed actions from previous meetings.

The 28th SAC meeting in Miami reviewed the status of IAI's Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) and Small Grants Programme for Human Dimensions (SGP-HD), emphasizing the need for better scientific integration across projects and increased institutional visibility. Key discussions included the development of a Latin American optical phenology network, the creation of science-society interaction proposals, and the importance of translating scientific achievements into policy briefs.

The 12th IAI CoP meeting focused on institutional governance, financial planning for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, and the selection of new leadership. Key outcomes included the election of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director and the approval of a basic budget of $1,012,405. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) and Small Grants Programs, and discussed the integration of scientific research with policy-making. Additionally, the CoP approved amendments to its voting regulations and the affiliation of CPTEC/INPE as an IAI institution.

The 13th Executive Council meeting of the IAI focused on institutional governance, financial stability, and the progress of its scientific programs. Key outcomes include the approval of Terms of Reference for an external evaluation of the IAI, the recommendation of candidates for the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), and the approval of a new communications strategy. The Council addressed critical financial challenges, specifically a decline in voluntary contributions to the Basic Budget, and established an ad hoc committee to manage payment delays from member countries. Programmatically, the IAI reported the conclusion of its Initial Scientific Program (ISP) and discussed the implementation of the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN) program, noting administrative difficulties in fund distribution and reporting. The meeting also coordinated future activities, including a synthesis conference ('Montevideo + 10') and a regional workshop on sustainable science in Brazil.

The IAI Executive Committee met in Uruguay to approve 14 research proposals under the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN) program and establish a working group for the Program to Expand Scientific Capabilities in the Americas (PESCA), with the US committing $300,000 annually for five years. The meeting addressed financial challenges, including $83,000 in unpaid member contributions, and the need for better dissemination of scientific results from the ISP I and II projects. The committee also approved terms of reference for funding working groups and discussed future education and training strategies for the hemisphere.

The CoP-II meeting focused on establishing the institutional infrastructure of the IAI, including the election of its first Director, Dr. Armando Rabuffetti, and the approval of a basic budget of US$570,000. Key outcomes included the adoption of the Host Country Agreement with Brazil, the approval of the Initial Scientific Program (ISP), and the establishment of a policy for the open exchange of scientific information. Member nations provided updates on national climate initiatives, and the meeting concluded with the election of three additional members to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

This briefing document records the outcomes of a meeting between the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) regarding the draft regulations for activities resulting in atmospheric emissions that may have detrimental environmental effects. The meeting focused on refining definitions, compliance timeframes, and specific emission standards across various industrial categories to ensure they are based on justifiable reasoning and ambient air quality standards.