Under the umbrella of India’s G20 presidency, the second gathering of the G20-Chief Scientific Advisers’ Roundtable (G20-CSAR) kicks off today in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This two-day event, spanning from August 28 to 29, 2023, brings together science advisers, scientists, and researchers hailing from G20 nations as well as invited countries.
The inaugural session commenced with opening remarks delivered by Ajay K Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Subsequently, G20 delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions centered around critical matters aimed at propelling the advancement of Inclusive Global Science Advice.
During the sidelines of the 2nd G20-CSAR meeting on August 27, a series of significant bilateral discussions unfolded. There were bilateral talks between India and Saudi Arabia, a dialogue between India and the UK, as well as discussions between India and Australia. These meetings delved into the essential areas of common interest and discussed key shared priorities.
G20-CSAR stands as an integral initiative within the framework of India’s G20 Presidency, operating under the Sherpa Track. This platform is dedicated to facilitating discussions and collaborative frameworks that address urgent policy challenges through a comprehensive approach to global science advice.
At its core, G20-CSAR brings together leading and emerging scientific forces from around the world, collectively responsible for generating about 85% of the global scientific knowledge. This platform serves as a potent mechanism to engage in deliberations and resolutions concerning both long-standing and foreseeable issues linked to scientific research, technology advancement, and its practical application. Central to its function is the participation of Chief Science Advisers (or their equivalents), embedded within the highest levels of governance. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping policy directions through their well-informed and evidence-based scientific guidance.
The G20-CSAR is deliberating on key agendas that include:
– Opportunities in One Health for better disease prevention, control, and pandemic preparedness
– Synergising global efforts to expand access to scholarly scientific knowledge
– Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEI&A) in Science and Technology Ecosystem
– Creating an inclusive, continuous, and action-oriented Global Science Advice mechanism
The First G20-CSAR was hosted in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand from 28th-30th March 2023. The meeting witnessed intense discussion on issues of transboundary Science & Technology (S&T) issues of mutual interest.