On 23–24 April 2026, the WAITRO Executive Board convened in Cologne, Germany, bringing together Regional Representatives
from across the globe, along with the President and Vice-Presidents, both in person and online. The meeting focused on aligning priorities, advancing key initiatives and defining concrete action points for the coming months, with a strong emphasis on the upcoming WAITRO Summit 2026.
WAITRO Summit 2026: Creating Opportunities for Members
Central focus of the discussions was the WAITRO Summit 2026, taking place 26-28 October in Istanbul, Turkiye.
The Board worked intensively to ensure that the Summit delivers tangible value for members, including:
- Co-creation workshopsto develop concrete project ideas
- Networking opportunities to connect with members and partners across regions
- Innovation showcases to increase visibility of member solutions
- Climate Solutions Initiative linking members innovations to COP31
The Summit is designed as a platform where members can actively engage, build partnerships and turn ideas into impact.
Explore the latest updates and opportunities via the WAITRO Summit Website.
Strengthening Program Impact
The Board reviewed the progress of WAITRO’s programs, with a clear emphasis on delivering measurable value.
The Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) was highlighted as a major success, reaching over 550 participants worldwide and providing practical, high-value insights for research and innovation professionals.
Building on this success, the Board discussed concrete steps to further expand future CDIs & RCDIs, focusing on enhancing both impact and engagement to:
- Introduce more outcome-oriented formats, such as proposal-based sessions where participants bring and develop ideas collaboratively
- Expand learning opportunities with attendance requirements and accessible recognition formats
- Enhace inclusivity across regions (time scheduling and thematic focus)
- Provide follow-up opportunities
- Increase visibility of results and resources for members
Advancing Partnerships for Greater Impact
The meeting also advanced several important partnerships, including upcoming collaborations with:
- Belmont Forum
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
- Crowdhelix
These partnerships are expected to open new pathways for funding, collaboration and regional visibility.
Looking Ahead
Bringing together in-person exchange in Cologne with virtual participation from Jordan, Malaysia, and Ghana, the meeting fostered dynamic discussions, efficient decision-making, and strong alignment across regions.
Together with the 4th Members’ Assembly of WAITRO Operations e.V., the meeting laid a strong foundation for the next phase of WAITRO’s development, with a clear focus on delivering value to its members.
With key decisions taken and priorities aligned, the focus now shifts towards implementation, most notably the WAITRO Summit 2026.
