The first meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of Future Earth, South Asia, took place at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on the 23 September 2019. The meeting was chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Chair, Governing Council, Future Earth South Asia. The participants included Mr. Prem Das Rai, Dr. M. Rajeevan, Mr. Jagdeesh Rao Puppala, and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh representing India; Dr. Pema Choephyel representing Bhutan; Dr. Khin Maung Lwin, Dr. Ohnmar Khaing, and Mr. U. Tin Maung Aye Htoo representing Myanmar; Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Dr. Arnico K. Panday, and Mr. Ajaya Dixit representing Nepal; Dr. Mahavidanage Jaanaki Gooneratne and Dr. D. M. Athula, H. Senaratne representing Sri Lanka. Ex-officio members, Dr. J. Srinivasan and Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy, along with invited members, Dr. Anik Bhaduri, Dr. Muthukumara S. Mani, Dr. Josh Tewksbury, and Dr. András Szöllősi-Nagy, took part in the meeting as well.
Prof. S. K. Satheesh, Director, Future Earth South Asia welcomed the Chair and members of the GC. Prof. Anurag Kumar, Director, IISc, made the opening remarks. Dr. Kasturirangan provided an assurance on behalf of India to cooperate with all member countries of South Asia, and resolved to adopt best practices from the region. He stated that the main objective of Future Earth is to link science with policy. He expressed his support for solutions-oriented research, where the scientific community engages with policymakers. All Governing Council members and invited guests proceeded to present their insights and views.
The meeting concluded that a global hub based in South Asia could engineer dialogue around the risks faced, and adaptation practices followed in the region. An action plan with the primary focus on improving communication between research and policy, and engaging communities was proposed. The Governing Council decided to reconvene after six months to review progress on the action plan.