The precursor event of the 4th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) was held during April 17th-18th, 2023 at Shillong. The programme was a precursor to the main event which will be held at Bengaluru during July 6th-7th, 2023 under India’s G20 Presidency. The programme was organised jointly by Department of Space/Indian Space Research Organisation, Ministry of External Affairs and Government of Meghalaya.
Ambassadors/ High Commissioners/ Diplomats from 15 G20 and invited countries had attended the event. Three think tanks from prominent organisations from different countries also attended and participated in the programme.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri. Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Shri. Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State (Finance); Shri. Amitabh Kant, G20 India Sherpa; Shri Somnath S, Secretary DoS & Chairman ISRO; Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe and all the dignitaries from ISRO HQ, heads of different ISRO Centres and officials from Government of Meghalaya. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble MoS PMO, also participated the inaugural session through video message.
There were three technical sessions. Secretary DoS, Shri Somnath S. chaired the first session and presented the Indian perspective of space economy. Delegations from G20 nations highlighted the present state of the space economy in their respective countries, prospects of the space economy and the challenges faced. The second session was moderated by Dr. Pawan K Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe on awareness building on space economy, and the think tanks also made their presentations on space economy and policies perspectives. The final session was briefing on the 4th SELM event to be held at Bengaluru.
ISRO and 14 Indian Space Industries showcased their products and services in the exhibition area at the venue. The Government of Meghalaya (GoM) presented a cultural programme showcasing their heritage and local products. On the second day, the GoM organised local excursions for the delegates to prominent tourist places and heritage sites of the state.