The G20 Research Innovation and Initiative Gathering (RIIG) Conference on Scientific challenges and opportunities for a sustainable blue-economy, concluded at Diu on 18^th May 2023. A total of 35 foreign delegates and 40 Indian expert and invitees from various scientific departments/ organisations of Govt of India, participated in the conference. The meeting was Chaired by Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary DST and G20 RIIG-Chair.

The G20 countries and International Organisations, which participated in the conference are Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union, Spain, Singapore, Norway and International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) is a new initiative of G20 Forum, which was initiated during Indonesian Presidency in 2022. India is taking the RIIG initiative forward during its G20 Presidency in 2023 under the main theme of “Research and Innovation for Equitable Society”. 

Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary DST and Chair G20-RIIG, welcomed the delegates to the meeting. Dr Chandrasekhar in his opening remarks said, India has a multi-pronged plan for coastal area development comprising transforming the blue economy, improvement of coastal infrastructure and protecting the marine ecosystem.

The discussions of the conference were primarily focused on topics namely Understanding the Blue Economy Science & Services; Blue Economy Sectors and Opportunities; Observation Data and Information Services; Marine Ecosystems & Pollution; blue Economy Management and Perspectives; Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning; Marine Living Resources and Biodiversity; Deep Sea Ocean Technology; and Blue Economy Policy Perspectives. The conference deliberated on sharing the best practices and policy models of nations for sustainable blue-economy.

India also presented the first draft of the Research Ministers declaration for discussions during the meeting. The Ministerial Declaration shall be adopted at the Research Ministers meeting scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 5^th July 2023.   

YP/GP/JD

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