9 July 2026, Bangkok — Government officials, scientists and representatives of observer organisations in 16 Asia-Pacific countries convene today at the Jubilee Prestige Hotel Ratchadapisek in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 27th Joint Intergovernmental Meeting and Scientific Planning Group Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). Hosted by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Thailand’s principal government agency for research and the national focal point in APN, the meeting will run from 9 to 10 July 2026.

The Intergovernmental Meeting, APN’s main decision-making body, will consider and approve the fiscal year 2026 work programme and its next sixth Strategic Plan (2026-2030). This programme will focus on APN activities that bridge science policy interactions, supporting member countries in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and commitments under the Paris Agreement, the UN Decade on Ocean Science and other international sustainability initiatives.

“Thailand has been proud to participate actively in APN’s work over many years. We recognise the importance of regional cooperation in advancing research that responds to shared challenges while also addressing national priorities,” said Dr Monthip Sriratana, Senior Adviser at the NRCT, in her welcome remarks. “As host, Thailand is pleased to provide a venue where ideas can be exchanged openly, experiences can be shared, and new collaborations can be established.”

Mr Toshiyuki Yamasaki, Director of the APN Secretariat, emphasised APN’s dedication to addressing global change and sustainability challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. “Over the past three decades, APN has grown into a unique and trusted platform that brings together governments, scientists and practitioners to address global change challenges,” he remarked. “The new Strategic Plan, developed from the findings of the Fifth Strategic Phase report and a member consultation survey, presents an opportunity to strengthen APN’s role in supporting regional research, scientific capacity development and regional cooperation.”

The meeting will not only approve new projects and activities to be implemented from FY 2026, but also adopt strategic steps to improve APN’s effectiveness in meeting member countries’ needs, enhancing its impact and expanding its financial capacity.

Through an interactive session at the Meeting, the Secretariat will also celebrate APN’s 30th Anniversary. A commemorative video, congratulatory remarks and a moderated dialogue will reflect on APN’s history, recognise the contributions of its members and partners, and reaffirm APN’s continued role in advancing regional research and collaboration.

A second interactive session will feature APN’s 11th Poster and Networking Session under the theme “Climate change and variability and disaster risk reduction”, where nine early career professionals from Thailand will present research that advances understanding of climate change and variability, climate-related risks and disaster risk reduction. The session will provide opportunities for presenters to engage with APN member governments, scientific experts and partner institutions from across the Asia-Pacific region. Posters will be evaluated by APN National Focal Points and Scientific Planning Group members, with the most outstanding presenter receiving the APN Mitra Award for Global Change Research. The award recognises outstanding early career professionals conducting global change research in the Asia-Pacific region, and the recipient will also be invited to present their work during the Meeting plenary.

APN strengthens the capacity of the Asia-Pacific region to address global change and sustainability challenges by supporting multi-country transdisciplinary research that provides scientific input to policymakers. APN also develops the capacity of individuals and organisations to undertake high-quality research and strengthens science policy interactions to support actionable science and informed decision making.

For more information, please contact:

• Research Division of International Affairs, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), email: [email protected];
• Dr Toshiyuki Yamasaki, Director, APN Secretariat, email: [email protected];
• Ms Aiko Seki, Programme Officer, APN Secretariat, email: [email protected].