From October 27–28, 2025, the WAITRO Executive Board, Regional Focal Points (RFPs), and representatives from the WAITRO Secretariat and WAITRO Operations e.V. convened at Fundación Fraunhofer Chile Research in Santiago de Chile for a series of strategic meetings aimed at aligning global and regional priorities for 2026 and beyond.
The 97th Executive Board Meeting, the 28th Regional Focal Point (RFP) Meeting, and the 28th Board–RFP Joint Session provided an essential forum for WAITRO leadership to exchange perspectives, review progress, and coordinate the next phase of organizational development.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
WAITRO Summit 2026
Participants discussed the overall framework and implementation roadmap for the WAITRO Summit 2026, which will take place at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Türkiye, from October 26–28, 2026. The approved theme “Leading the Path of Implementation: Strengthening Co-Creation for Our Common Future” will guide the Summit’s strategic narrative, program design, and communication efforts.
The discussions emphasized three core dimensions:
- Implementation focus – Practical pathways to achieve the SDGs through actionable, results-oriented collaboration.
- Co-creation – Partnerships across research, industry, government, and civil society to bridge knowledge and practice.
- Common future – A global, inclusive, and long-term perspective toward sustainable development.
Members and RFPs reaffirmed their commitment to co-creating the Summit’s content, ensuring regional representation, and contributing to its success through capacity development, showcasing activities, and matchmaking. Detailed information and calls for member contributions will follow soon.
Capacity Development Program (CDP)
WAITRO Operations e.V. presented updates on the WAITRO Capacity Development Program (CDP), which provides the overarching framework for systematic, demand-driven training across the network. In 2025, the Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) on “Getting Ready for International Collaboration – Publicly Funded Research Projects” attracted over 400 participants so far. Feedback from RFPs underlined the importance of tailoring future training to regional needs and ensuring local ownership through Regional Capacity Development Initiatives (RCDIs). In 2026, the program will focus on targeted training activities, exploring partnerships with donors and training providers to co-fund and co-deliver initiatives.
Digital Infrastructure and Communication
Discussions focused on enhancing WAITRO’s digital infrastructure, including the website and a concept for a members’ area, to foster more effective engagement, matchmaking, and knowledge sharing. A key discussion centered on the development of WAITRO’s digital ecosystem
Ongoing and planned initiatives include:
- An enhanced WAITRO website, showcasing regional activities, member news, and a global STI calendar
- A Members-Area, providing exclusive access to training resources, matchmaking tools, and collaboration spaces
- A Digital Matchmaking Service, connecting members and partners through a structured, data-driven approach
- Introduction of a digital membership management platform streamlining invoicing, data management, and communication.
These initiatives aim to foster engagement, visibility, and collaboration within the global WAITRO network, while improving transparency and operational efficiency.
Building Momentum for 2026
The meetings reaffirmed WAITRO’s commitment to strengthening global collaboration and regional engagement. Through open dialogue and shared strategic planning, the Board and RFPs identified concrete pathways to accelerate the impact of research and innovation in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.The strategic discussions in Santiago laid the groundwork for an ambitious year ahead culminating in the WAITRO Summit 2026 in Istanbul, which will showcase WAITRO’s role as a global platform translating research-driven solutions into impact.
Regional Workshop in Santiago
Following the meetings, a Regional Workshop for WAITRO Members in Latin America and the Caribbean was held on October 29, 2025, hosted by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
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