The WAITRO Summit concludes by looking beyond Istanbul: How do we turn the connections, ideas and partnerships created during the Summit into lasting international impact? The Closing Plenary connects the Summit’s discussions with the wider global research, innovation and sustainability landscape. Perspectives from different regions and institutions will explore the opportunities ahead — from international research collaboration and future European funding frameworks to climate action and the road towards COP31. The session will reflect on the role that WAITRO and its global community can play in connecting capabilities across borders, mobilizing partnerships and helping promising solutions reach implementation. Rather than simply closing three days of discussion, From Istanbul to the World provides a forward-looking call to action: taking what has been created at the Summit and carrying it into new partnerships, initiatives and impact around the world.

Keynotes

• Lupe Leal — CNPq, Brazil
• COP31 Representative
• Michael Brown — CEO, Crowdhelix, United Kingdom

Closing Remarks

• Dr. Benjin Luo — Secretary General of WAITRO
• Prof. Hasan Mandal — President of WAITRO