The Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Govt. of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) as the Think20 (T20) Secretariat under India’s G20 Presidency, is set to host the Think20 Conference titled “Nature Solves: A New Framework for Our Sustainable Future” in Shillong from July 5–7, 2023. Think20 (T20) serves as the G20’s official engagement group, fostering collaboration among think tanks and high-level experts to address policy issues relevant to the G20.
This three-day conference aims to convene both domestic and international stakeholders to deliberate and devise solutions for promoting a Nature-Positive Transition in India and in other participating countries, with the potential for replication worldwide. Policymakers, academicians, bureaucrats, and experts from multi-lateral agencies representing 14 G20 countries, including ADB, World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, and TIPS, will come together on a common platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on complex local and global challenges, including green growth, women-led development, climate finance, nature-based solutions for climate action, and the interplay with green transitions and the future of work. With over 60 speakers from various countries, the conference is expected to generate discussions and recommendations that will contribute to the finalization of the “Meghalaya Manifesto,” a policy framework for Nature-Positive solutions to combat climate change.
The Conference will be graced by Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and feature keynote addresses by D.P. Wahlang, Chief Secretary of the Government of Meghalaya; Eenam Gambhir, Joint Secretary (G20) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; and Samir Saran, T20 Chair and President of the Observer Research Foundation, India. Eminent members of the multilateral and think tank community, including Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, and Federico Salas Lotfe, Ambassador of Mexico to India, will also be in attendance.
To date, the T20 has successfully organized 50 side events in India and abroad, while publishing 135 short forms and 250 policy briefs out of the planned 400-plus briefs.
In addition to the participants having a first-hand experience to interact with the communities who are leading the community-led climate resilient initiatives, international delegates and speakers will also have the opportunity to experience cultural showcases from Meghalaya, including traditional song, dance, arts and crafts, and food.
For detailed information about the conference and for live streaming, interested may visit: https://t20ind.org/event/nature-solves-a-new-framework-for-our-sustainable-future/.