SHILLONG, April 17: The two-day precursor event of the 4th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) under G20 Presidency of India got underway at Courtyard Marriott Hotel here on Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said it is a privilege for Shillong to be hosting the event.
“We are given an opportunity to host this event at an important juncture when India has cleared the policy for space and is making numerous strides in space technology. It is also at the time when all G20 countries together are putting maximum investment in space programmes,” Sangma said.
He was confident the name of Shillong will echo in eternity and people will discuss the different foundations and policies finalised here. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for involving different parts of the Northeast and the country in the historic G20 programme.
The event is aimed at creating awareness on the latest trends in the contribution of space to global economy. The diplomats of various countries are participating in it. The main SELM event will be held in Bengaluru in July.
Mentioning the presence of NESAC in Shillong, Sangma said space technology in the past few years has played a huge role in socio-economic policy-making, decision-making and in the implementation of different programmes by Meghalaya and other states of the Northeast.
“In the issue of flood control, we have seen that space technology has helped us immensely to work in a systematic and scientific manner. The study of damages caused and what immediate actions are needed to be taken are available because of space technology,” the CM said.
He said the entire Northeast is a bio-sensitive and bio-diverse region and space technology helps the state governments identify the areas, forest cover and the impacts taking place because of climate change.
“Space technology is helping us to address the concerns and giving us real-time information so that the right policies and decisions can be implemented –whether it is on decreasing forest covers or catchment areas – and how to preserve them,” Sangma said.
“We have always believed in technology and we try our best to ensure that we use every technology available to ensure that we provide the best services to the people of the state,” the CM said.
He informed the gathering that Meghalaya is one of the few states to start using drone technology in a strong manner, not just for capturing footage and data but for delivering medical supplies and important life-saving products to inaccessible areas.
“We are also among the few states to go aggressively to implement e-governance. At the recent WSIS competition held by the United Nations, the e-Proposals project of Meghalaya was awarded one of the best in the world,” Sangma said.
“We have always welcomed technology and I am sure with this programme, the collaboration and the use of space technology in all aspects of governance will also gain momentum,” he said.
The CM revealed that Meghalaya is engaged in a number of bilateral collaborations and programmes with different countries.
“In the Smart Village Movement, we are working with the University of Berkeley, California to bring in technology to ensure that the basic social services are implemented at the grassroots level. This programme has been going on for the few years,” he said.
“We believe technology can bring a breakthrough in education, health services, and social services at the grassroots level. We are working with France on projects to help different women’s self-help groups (SHGs). We are also working with different fabrics and textiles to ensure that natural fibres in our state can be globally used and ensure the SHGs get a better market to showcase their work,” Sangma said.
He said he is hopeful that the collaborations and bilateral relationships with the G20 nations will help “improve those strides, not just for Meghalaya but for the entire Northeastern region”.
