1 to 2 July 2025, Kobe, Japan – The 58th Steering Committee Meeting convened in person in Kobe, Japan, attended by elected national Focal Points representing four subregional committees, Co-Chairpersons of the Scientific Planning Group, representatives of donor countries and Invited Experts. The members of the Scientific Planning Group Sub-Committee and Capacity Development Committee also attended the Meeting.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Dr Douglas Hill, the national Focal Point for New Zealand and the Chairperson of the Steering Committee; Mr Masaaki Fukuyama, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Management Department, Hyogo Prefectural Government; and Dr Linda Anne Stevenson, Acting Director and Programme Director of the Secretariat. The Steering Committee reviewed outstanding action points from previous meetings and confirmed the report on APN activities, which covered stakeholder engagement, budget status and subregional cooperation business.

The Steering Committee approved funding for eight proposals under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) and seven proposals under the Scientific Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) based on recommendations by the Scientific Planning Group Sub-Committee and the Capacity Development Committee that met on 30 June, respectively. Subsequently, the Steering Committee approved the programme of work and budget plan for the fiscal year 2025 (1 July 2025-30 June 2026).

Additionally, the Steering Committee discussed the mid-term evaluation of the 5th Strategic Phase of APN. Participants engaged in breakout sessions to contribute to the development of the 6th Strategic Plan. Furthermore, the Steering Committee held another group discussion on APN institutional and financial sustainability, where members explored strategic options to enhance donor engagement, strengthen partnerships and support the long-term implementation of the 6th Strategic Plan.