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The 2nd IAI Science-Policy Workshop brought together researchers and policymakers to discuss the intersection of science and policy in the Americas. Key discussions included the IPBES regional assessment, the implementation of an Open Data Project, and the development of a new 25-year strategic plan for the IAI. The workshop also explored the role of science diplomacy and shared experiences from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). Participants emphasized the need for better communication of scientific uncertainty to policymakers and the importance of incorporating traditional and indigenous knowledge into data systems.

This briefing, prepared by the United States for the twenty-sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), recommends that Future Earth be invited to become an Associate of the Institute under Article XI of the Agreement Establishing the IAI.

The United States of America recommends that the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) invite the international NGO Future Earth to become an Associate under Article XI of its Agreement. The briefing highlights Future Earth's global research network, its existing Memorandum of Understanding with the IAI signed in 2017, and their joint work through the Belmont Forum and various policy processes to advance sustainability and transdisciplinary research in the Americas.

The report provides an audit of the IAI's financial position, operations, and cash flows, concluding that the statements present fairly the Institute's financial position in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. It details revenues from member nations and grants, expenses for core management and research programs, and the status of contributions from member countries.

This briefing from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Directorate reports on the implementation of Decision XXV/28, which aims to enhance the capacity of IAI research projects to communicate scientific results to stakeholders and policy makers.

The IAI Directorate Science reports on the final phase of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), the launch of the Small Grant Program on ecosystem services and human wellbeing (SGP-HW), and the planning for the fourth Collaborative Research Network (CRN4). Key initiatives include a co-design process for climate adaptation in the megacities of Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago de Chile, and a collaborative research framework with Argentina's CONICET. The Directorate is shifting toward a co-funding model to diversify science funding and is emphasizing transdisciplinary research aligned with international frameworks like the SDGs.

This briefing document, prepared by the IAI Directorate for the 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP), reports on a meeting held in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7 November 2017. The meeting focused on establishing a flexible collaborative funding mechanism to support scientific projects on global change in the Americas, aiming to reduce the IAI's dependency on a single donor and ensure long-term sustainability.

This briefing document outlines the process for nominating a member to the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, following the conclusion of Dr. Javier Gracia Garza's first term in June 2018.

This briefing document, prepared by the Chair of the Science-Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) for the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), outlines the process for nominating a candidate to fill a vacancy on the SPAC in June 2018.

The IAI Directorate presented a draft outreach brochure to the Conference of the Parties in June 2018. The brochure outlines the IAI's role as a regional intergovernmental organization supporting 19 Parties in the Americas. Since 2006, the IAI has invested 33 million USD in scientific projects and 5.3 million USD in scholarships for Latin American scientists, training 2,000 professionals. The IAI focuses on global change—including climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use change—and supports research on ecosystem services, fisheries, forest conservation, and the impacts of environmental crises on human health and urban/rural communities.

A briefing from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) regarding the nomination process for two vacancies on the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) to be filled during the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in June 2018.

A briefing from the President of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) requesting the nomination of two members to the SAC for the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) in June 2018.

The IAI Directorate is working to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making in the Americas by establishing relationships with multilateral environmental agreements, enhancing the capacity of member countries, and diversifying its funding sources. Key efforts include collaborating with the IPCC and UNFCCC, developing a sub-regional network for megacities in Latin America, and implementing an open data policy. The Directorate is also seeking to increase the visibility of the IAI through communication strategies and the hosting of the Belmont Forum Secretariat.

DSM CEO Feike Sijbesma advocates for the implementation of global carbon pricing to unlock private sector finance and innovation. He highlights the role of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC) in supporting companies with internal carbon pricing and urges business leaders to call for price levels that align with a well-below 2-degree world, specifically mentioning a target of at least $40 per ton.

This report from the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details capacity-building activities conducted between the 25th and 26th Conferences of the Parties (2017-2018). It highlights the implementation of inter- and transdisciplinary training, science-policy integration, and the use of seed grants to foster regional scientific cooperation and communication.

The IAI Directorate implemented several capacity-building initiatives between 2017 and 2018, focusing on transdisciplinary research, science diplomacy, and science communication. Key activities included the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Climate Change, which trained 119 graduate students from 30 countries, and the Professional Development Seminar (PDS) on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Integrating Policy and Science for Sustainability held in the Dominican Republic and Canada. The Directorate also engaged in science-policy collaboration through events in Mexico and the USA. To expand these efforts, the IAI proposes the creation of a Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program and a Research Internship Program, alongside a new Seed Grant Program for 2019-2020.

The IAI Directorate expanded its international visibility and partnerships through participation in major climate and biodiversity forums, including the IPCC, UNFCCC, and CBD. Key achievements include securing Observer Status with the IPCC and UNCCD, establishing Memoranda of Understanding with Future Earth and IPBES, and launching a digital science communication campaign during COP-23. The Directorate also focused on enhancing the science-to-policy interface, specifically regarding ocean knowledge, climate-resilient megacities in the Americas, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

The document outlines a formal partnership between IAI and the IPBES Secretariat to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity in the Americas. The cooperation focuses on integrating regional data into IPBES assessments, addressing knowledge gaps, and supporting the implementation of the IPBES Work Programme within IAI member countries. It defines operational guidelines for bilateral meetings, intellectual property, fundraising, and the use of official logos, with an initial duration ending on 30 May 2019.

The document estimates that in 2016, 1.35 billion children lived in conflict-affected countries, with 357 million living in 'conflict zones' defined as within 50 km of a lethal conflict event. Asia has the highest absolute number of affected children, while the Middle East has the highest proportional risk. The number of children in conflict zones has increased by over 50% since the 1990s, with nearly half living in high-intensity conflict zones in 2016. The authors highlight a critical lack of systematic data on direct harms like killing and maiming, urging increased investment in data collection and targeted policy interventions.

The document provides a mapping of children living in conflict settings, distinguishing between those in conflict-affected countries and those in 'conflict zones' (within 50km of fighting). In 2017, approximately 1.8 billion children lived in conflict-affected countries, while 420 million lived in conflict zones. Asia has the highest absolute number of affected children, but the Middle East has the highest proportion relative to its population. The report also notes a rise in the number of children in conflict zones since 2000 and discusses the severe impact of the denial of humanitarian access, particularly in South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and the Central African Republic.