The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) successfully held its 80th Governing Board (GB80) meeting on August 25–26, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. Chaired by Mr. Ronald Lehman, the meeting brought together representatives from ISTC member countries to review progress, set strategic directions, and strengthen international scientific collaboration. The 80th GB Meeting focused on strengthening ISTC’s role as a platform for multilateral cooperation and innovation.

Key highlights from the meeting include:

- The Board approved the minutes of the previous GB79 meeting and the SAC-78 report, welcoming Dr. Suyama Kenya as the new Scientific Advisory Committee Chairman. Dr. Aliya Sembayeva was introduced as the new GB Member representing Kazakhstan.

- Executive Director Karina Anguelieva presented progress on the ISTC Strategic Roadmap 2024–2030, emphasizing achievements and identifying areas for enhanced planning and performance tracking. A mid-year summary of ISTC activities and milestones highlighting the progress in project diversification, increased regional engagement, and global presence.

- Presentations on key ISTC projects showcased ISTC’s transnational projects in cybersecurity, earth observation, and new energy technologies materials. The Board called for increased synergy and sustainability across initiatives.

- Japan’s leadership and continued support were recognized as instrumental in empowering Central Asian and Caucasus researchers and advancing ISTC’s mission.

Minister Sayasat Nurbek of Kazakhstan addressed the Board, proposing deeper engagement with academic and innovation communities. The Board endorsed the development of a new outreach narrative to attract partners and stakeholders, based on ISTC’s success stories and evolving priorities.

The event reaffirmed ISTC’s commitment to building a safer, more secure, and sustainable future through science, technology, and international cooperation. The GB will reconvene in person in 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia to follow up on the progress of the ISTC mission to deliver secure and safety through knowledge and innovation.

The Governing Board meeting will be followed by the ISTC Special Day at the EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai on August 27, where ISTC will showcase achievements of researchers from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, supported by Japan, a key Funding Party of ISTC. A special award ceremony will honor outstanding contributions to ISTC-funded projects, followed by a panel discussion titled: "New Approach to Sustainability: Why International Collaboration in Science & Technology is Crucial for the Future of Our Planet."