MUMBAI: The two-day ministerial meeting of the fifth and final round of G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) concluded here on July 6. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The minister endorsed and supported the four priority discussion areas identified by India for RIIG, emphasising the crucial role of research and innovation for inclusive and sustainable development.
He also unanimously recommended elevating RIIG to the status of a formal G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) under the Sherpa Track. Dr. Singh expressed India’s commitment to meeting the UNSDGs 2023 through research and innovation, emphasising the importance of international collaborations.
Priority areas
India hosted a series of RIIG conferences throughout the year, as part of its G20 presidency, focused on its priority areas, recognising the significant role of research, development, and innovation.
Based on the engagements and discussions on the priority areas, an ‘Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary’ was issued at the end of the meeting. The priority areas include Materials for Sustainable Energy; Circular Bio-Economy; EcoInnovations for Energy Transition; and Sustainable Blue Economy. The document highlights the importance of initiatives promoting sustainable lifestyles, such as India’s LiFE initiative.
The minister expressed commitment to achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future through open, equitable, and secure scientific collaboration in identified priority areas.
Collaboration important
Dr. Singh stressed the need for expanding the production and utilisation of clean energy, as well as promoting affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. He also emphasised the importance of developing capacities for sustained coastal and ocean observations, monitoring, and forecasting systems to achieve a sustainable blue economy.
Mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions was another area of commitment, encouraging collaboration through exchange programmes.
During a media address, Dr. Singh highlighted that global growth was technology-driven, and India had taken a leading role on the global stage in the past 8-9 years.
He emphasised the importance of science and technology and the equal platform India now operates from, citing examples such as Indian astronauts being considered for the international space station and the exchange of best practices
