Since 2024, the Center for Climate and Resilience Research (CR2) has been part of this institute as an associated entity, with the aim of supporting its scientific agenda and other programmatic activities.
On May 29 and 30, Susana Bustos, Management and Liaison Director at CR2, took part in the opening of the 33rd Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP-33), organized by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences (FACEN) of the National University of Asunción.
This international meeting aims to address the challenges of climate change and the need to strengthen scientific research. The opening ceremony took place in Paraguay, hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel auditorium in Asunción.
“This was an extremely enriching opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries in the region facing similar challenges. Here, cooperation and science diplomacy emerge as essential tools for advancing together, strengthening research, and supporting more informed decision-making in response to the challenges posed by environmental change,” stated Susana Bustos.
Environment, Climate, and Health
As part of the work agenda, the IAI Scientific Committee discussed initiatives related to the environment, climate, and health. The publication “Science Diplomacy and Global Environmental Change in Latin America and the Caribbean” was also presented, featuring case studies on how science contributes to international negotiations, environmental cooperation, public health, Indigenous governance, and the use of space technology.
The program also included an analysis of droughts in the Americas, focusing on regional priorities, early warning systems, and strategies for sustainable development.
Additionally, discussions addressed the IAI’s funding, new council appointments, the financial and administrative committee report, the newly established Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee, and progress related to the Science Diplomacy Center, the STeP Program, and the IAI’s open data and open science policy.
At CR2, researchers Anahí Urquiza and Laura Ramajo serve on the IAI Scientific Advisory Committee, which is tasked with advising on science matters, formulating recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on the Scientific Agenda, long-term plans, and the Institute’s annual program. The committee also oversees the peer review system for evaluating scientific proposals and the outcomes of IAI-funded scientific programs.
CR2’s Susana Bustos highlighted the formation of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee, stating:
“Their participation in the fight against climate change is crucial and strategic—not only for ethical or social justice reasons but also because of their deep ecological knowledge and direct role in conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.”
New Associated Entities
During the event, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC) were introduced as new associated organizations of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).
“Activities like this one contribute to scientific and technological cooperation among countries, allowing us to share data, infrastructure, knowledge, and capabilities, and to face global challenges through regional solidarity rather than in isolation,” affirmed Susana Bustos, Director of Management and Outreach at CR2.
The event also saw the participation of Priscilla Ulloa, an Adaptation Department professional representing Chile’s Ministry of the Environment and serving as Chile’s focal point to the IAI, along with delegations from Latin America and the Caribbean.
