In its fourth iteration, the IBKF will revisit and strengthen connections between iterations of the Forum. For instance, the second forum identified a 10-point action plan, and important country perspectives were also noted. A common theme among country perspectives was the need to increase knowledge sharing while addressing the systemic limitations to data sharing, policy linkages and science based research in the region.

The third forum focused on addressing these issues by identifying two broad objectives:
1) the need to make decision makers aware of research being conducted in the IB.
2) a need for trust among scientists, policy makers, and advisers, which could serve as an important meeting point for further collaboration among regional member countries of the IB.

Taking these learnings further, the fourth forum aims to underline the urgency for collaboration among members in the IB. It aims to do this through three pathways:
1) policy-driven impactful research.
2) engagement and inclusiveness.
3) packaging of research.

Specific objectives

• Explore priority areas to continue collaboration among the IB RMCs
• Strengthen the networking between RMCs through existing networks and by exploring new mechanisms
• Explore the establishment of a journalists’ network that can link science to policy and communicate and promote research that is being conducted in the IB RMCs
• Draw on expertise from policy experts in each of the RMCs to recognize policy needs at the country and basin level; this interaction will also come up with guiding principles for conducting of research

Expected participants

The fourth IBKF will involve stakeholders from academia, government representatives from the RMCs, and the donor community.