Delegates from G20 nations have arrived in Meghalaya capital Shillong on April 16 to participate in the G20 Summit Space Economy Leaders’ Meet (SELM) precursor meeting which began on April 17.
Over 120 delegates from G20 countries which include diplomats, scientists, businessmen, officials and politicians are attending the meeting on April 17-18.
The inaugural function is being attended by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma, Union minister of state (finance) Pankaj Chaudhury, Union minister of state (independent charge) science and technology, Jitendra Singh, G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant, and others.
Apart from the technical session on space economy, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would hold an exhibition together with exhibits from the startups of the space economy sector.
ISRO director N Sudheer Kumar said that the event is a precursor of the main event, which be held in Bengaluru on July 6 and 7.
“This event concentrates on how it is going to organise the main event and a precursor event to showcase all the capability in the space economy and space potential capabilities of ISRO,” Kumar said.
Famous for its pristine scenery & spectacular water bodies, #Meghalaya’s deep-rooted traditions captivate visitors worldwide.
Its bustling capital, #Shillong is ready to host SELM's Pre-Cursor Event on ‘Space Economy, Policy & New Space.' 🚀
🗓️: April 17-18#G20India #Space20 pic.twitter.com/UZHXxOZAxp
— G20 India (@g20org) April 16, 2023
“Northeast states play a very important role for us. Because of the hilly areas, the potential is more. In harsh conditions, the space application is the best. The Northeast Space Application Centre is doing great. We want to showcase that these areas have huge potential for the space industries to come and invest,” the ISRO director said.
Officials said the delegates will help “showcase and benchmark Meghalaya” as a prime destination for tourism, investment and development.
“We would also showcase our cultural heritage and events,” planning secretary Shakil P Ahammed said.
