G20 research ministers resolved to transform research and innovation systems to address the challenges of tomorrow. They stressed on the need to develop capacities for sustained ocean observations, monitoring and forecasting systems for achieving objectives of sustainable blue economy.
Chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singha and organised in Mumbai, the research ministers of the G20 members and invitee countries, while endorsing and supporting the four priority discussion areas identified by India’s Presidency for Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG), re-affirmed the critical role of research and innovation for enabling inclusive and sustainable development.
The research ministers also resolved to support all efforts for transforming research and innovation systems to respond to the changing world of the 21st century and address the challenges of tomorrow.
The priority areas of the meeting included 'Materials for Sustainable Energy', 'Circular Bio-Economy', 'Eco-Innovations for Energy Transition, and 'Sustainable Blue Economy'. These issues were discussed in detail through a series of meetings under the broad theme of ‘Research and Innovation for an Equitable Society’. In the end of the meeting, an “Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary” was also issued.
The research ministers recognised the importance of adoption of initiatives that promote lifestyles for sustainable development such as India’s LiFE initiative.
The G20 research ministers also expressed commitment to achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. They reaffirmed their commitment to open, equitable and secure scientific collaboration in the identified priority areas for developing solutions that address societal and global challenges.
The ministers acknowledged that in the pursuit of sustainable development, there is a need to expand the production and utilization of clean energy and to promote affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all.
The important role, which science, technology and research play in supporting a more circular and sustainable bio-economy, was also discussed. They also reaffiremed their commitement to the need for innovation across all industrial supply chains, from raw materials to finished products, while meeting food security needs.
The ministers also stressed the need to further develop capacities for more and better sustained coastal and ocean observations, monitoring and forecasting systems through enhanced international coordination and cooperation for achieving the objectives of a sustainable blue economy or ocean-based economy.
They expressed their commitment to encourage the mobility of students, scholars, researchers and scientists across research and higher education institutions through mobility programs.
