The OAD Steering Committee had its annual meeting from the 5th to 7th February 2025. The meeting was hybrid with the Steering Committee members based in Cape Town joining the OAD team at the SAAO. The Steering Committee exercises general oversight of the activities of the OAD and its staff. It comprises 3 members nominated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and 3 members nominated by the National Research Foundation (NRF). This meeting was the first for the newly selected Steering Committee, which will be holding office for the next 3 years until 2027. Discussions covered operations, fundraising, and partnerships, focusing on expanding the impact of astronomy on society. Updates on funded projects, communications, and regional offices and language centres were presented, alongside current flagship projects in astrotourism, mental health, and skills development. The committee also addressed planning and sustainability, concluding with a business plan review.
A list of the Steering Committee members can be found here:
https://astro4dev.org/aboutiauoad/oversight/