Preface - Focus Meeting 20: Astronomy for Development

Extract

This Focus Meeting was about the global developmental impact that all aspects related to astronomy can deliver. The interdisciplinary nature of the meeting made it relevant to all IAU Divisions and the professional astronomy community in general. The manner in which the strategic plan has been designed and the way in which OAD implements it allows for input and innovation from the professional community both to develop the astronomy field globally and to stimulate the developmental benefits arising from the astronomy field. IAU members have played a key role in every stage of implementation of the strategic plan, from its ratification, through to strong participation in its implementation. This meeting served to report back to them in terms of progress, as well as seek input from them in terms of shaping the way forward.