Meghalaya will host a meeting of the G20 nations in April to discuss how space partnerships can contribute to the economy of the countries.
The announcement was made by Governor, Brig. (Rerd.) B D Mishra addressing the Republic Day parade at the Polo Ground yesterday.
The ‘Space-20 programme’ of the G20 will be held on April 17 and 18 in Shillong. He said the programme would be in continuation of the Space Economy Leaders Meeting held by the National Space Agencies of the G20 countries in 2020.
The Governor said the programme was initiated to make space economy a formal agenda item of G20 summits to discuss how space partnerships can contribute to the growth of the economy of the G20 nations.
He said the objective of the space economy leaders meeting 2023 will be to discuss how space partnerships can contribute to the growth of the economy of G20 nations, in line with India’s G20 theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth-One Family-One Future.
The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.
It comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU).
The Governor also spoke on the declaration of 2023 as International Year of Millets, in which India aims to promote its cultivation and consumption on a large scale. He said traditionally, Meghalaya is the grower of millets and with the declaration; this will give impetus to farmer’s income.
He also lauded the peaceful law and order situation in Meghalaya and said talks with the outlawed armed militant group, the HNLC, has started and the centre is supporting it.
“In a historic development, the HNLC has expressed its willingness for unconditional talks within the framework of the Constitution of India. The talks have since started,” Mishra said.
The governor also lauded the initiatives by both Assam and Meghalaya to resolve their long-standing border dispute.
“A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the two states in the presence of the Honourable Union home minister for resolving six out of the 12 areas of disputes,” he said.
The Governor also urged the people of the State to take part in the coming Assembly elections. “I urge my people, particularly the young eligible voters, to exercise their franchise freely and fairly and to maintain the best traditions of peace and harmony during the elections,” he said.
