The deliberations are part of a series of meetings being held across the country on various themes, as part of India's G20 presidency.
Published Jan 30, 2023 | 5:32 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2023 | 5:32 PM
The two-day S20 meeting in Puducherry saw participation of delegates of G20 countries, with representatives of their science academies. (Indian National Science Academy/Twitter)
Indian National Science Academy (INSA) president and the country’s chair for the G20 Science-20 Inception Meeting Dr Ashutosh Sharma pointed out that scientific progress has helped in drastically reducing poverty rates around the world in the last few decades.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day S20 meeting in Puducherry on Monday, 30 January, that saw participation of delegates of G20 countries, with representatives of their science academies.
The deliberations are part of a series of meetings being held across the country on various themes, as part of India’s year-long G20 presidency.
“India is proud to host this gathering of nations from across the globe that value science and technology as essential elements for global development,” Dr Sharma said in his address.
“We must recognise that science has played an integral role in not only our economic growth but also in positive social transformation, including providing access to quality healthcare and education services. It is because of scientific progress that we have seen a dramatic reduction in poverty rates around the world in the last few decades,” he stated.
"We must recognize that science has played an integral role in not only our economic growth but also positive social transformations. It is because of scientific progress that we have seen a dramatic reduction in poverty rates around the world over the last few decades." #S20 pic.twitter.com/hiRC7IXnen
— Indian National Science Academy (INSA) (@insa_academy) January 30, 2023
The scientist also asserted that G20 has the greatest footprint and impact on growth, economy, and sustainability through international cooperation.
The G20 Troika comprises Indonesia, India, and Brazil. Of these G20 engagement groups, the scientific activities and initiatives are coordinated by S20 engagement groups.
Dr Sharma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had exhorted that science and technology can remove national barriers, unify the world and advance peace. “This is a message of optimism for science and a message of hope for the world,” the scientist added.
As @S20_India begins in #Puducherry, we look with the world to find better solutions. We see science as a global unifier. @g20org @IndiaDST @PMOIndia @PIBDST @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/665s4NsoUL
— Indian National Science Academy (INSA) (@insa_academy) January 30, 2023
Claiming that the younger generation has the most precious gift of science on their side, the INSA president said that the subject is a vast and endless frontier that must be harnessed as it is the drawing board on which plans for future progress can be made.
“Through this overarching theme of disruptive science for innovative and sustainable development, we (S20) engage in three sub-themes, namely clean energy for a greener future, universal holistic health, and connecting science to society and culture,” said Dr Sharma.
"In order to make a sustainable, enlightened, compassionate, and happy society, we need new ways of thinking and disruptive tech, with the lights and shadows of science." – Dr @Ashutos61 at @S20_India #InceptionMeet in #Puducherry @insa_academy @g20org pic.twitter.com/pNqZa0CQkr
— S20 India 2023 (@S20_India) January 30, 2023
He added that the venues for these subsequent meetings will be in Agartala, Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep), and Bhopal, while the final meeting will take place in Coimbatore.
The INSA president asserted that S20 would catalyse and achieve fruitful scientific dialogue between G20 member states and provide constructive solutions for global problems, such as energy equity, healthcare and well-being, and making science an integral part of society.
He underscored that addressing these challenges requires cross-disciplinary and multilateral scientific collaboration and global alliances. “We will create blueprints in the subsequent months through our meetings together,” he stated.
"There are challenges, and they are clear and present. The current sustenance and the sustainability or our civilization to the habitat in which it flourishes: there are several aspects that need solutions and they need them now."@S20_India @IndiaDST @g20org @PIBDST @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/Ztt3pNzSWO
— Indian National Science Academy (INSA) (@insa_academy) January 30, 2023
Dr Sharma said that the India of today has the strength of its youthful energy through its young demography, immensely diverse open markets, R&D and educational institutions.
He added that policy frameworks are rapidly emerging to provide strong support to science, technology, innovation, and ease of doing business in the STEM fields.
“We also have the strength of fintech and other IT avenues. This is what we bring to the world,” he pointed out.
The director of the Indian Institute of Science Professor G Rangarajan, who welcomed the delegates to the meeting, stated that science and technology played a key role in achieving the objectives of the G20 nations.
Welcome remarks by Prof. G. Rangarajan, Director, @iiscbangalore at the S20 #InceptionMeet in Puducherry. @g20org pic.twitter.com/phFyRgywhr
— S20 India 2023 (@S20_India) January 30, 2023
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