5th G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) Conference Commences in Diu, India
The 5th G20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) conference kicked off in Diu, Daman & Diu, Daman, Nagar Haveli, under India’s G20 presidency on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The first day of the conference witnessed a series of sessions focusing on understanding the Blue Economy from scientific, service-oriented, management, and policy perspectives. The two-day event aimed to explore ways to develop a sustainable Blue Economy. Over 35 foreign delegates and 40 Indian experts, delegates, and invitees took part in the RIIG conference.
During the conference’s opening session, G20 Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable Blue Economy. He highlighted the challenges faced by the ocean environment and stressed the need for international cooperation to ensure a sustainable future. He urged participants to focus on economic growth and job creation while safeguarding marine resources for future generations. The conference delved into various topics, including blue economy sectors, marine pollution, coastal and marine ecosystems, biodiversity, deep sea exploration, and renewable offshore energy.
Mr. Prafulla K. Patel, the administrator of Diu, also delivered a speech during the inaugural session, extending a warm welcome to the G20 delegates. He shared his vision of promoting fishing and tourism, enhancing economic welfare, and fostering efficient research and innovation.
On the sidelines of the conference, a week-long exhibition showcasing India’s G20 journey was inaugurated in Diu. The exhibition featured the presence of India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Dr. Shrivari Chandrasekhar (Secretary, Union Department of Science and Technology), and Praful Patel (Administrator of the Union Territory of Diu, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli) during the opening ceremony.
As a part of their visit, the G20 delegates were accorded a traditional welcome. On the second day of the conference, the delegates will visit the renowned Gir National Park and the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
Previous RIIG conferences have taken place in Ranchi, Dibrugarh, and Dharamshala, focusing on Materials for Sustainable Energy, Circular Bio-economy for Energy Transition, and Eco-innovation, respectively. The G20 RIIG conference is being coordinated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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