Precursor event for the 4^th edition of SELM in Shillong

The precursor event of the 4^th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) was held during April 17-18, 2023 in Shillong. This two-day event was a forerunner for the 4^th edition of SELM organized in Bengaluru on July 6-7, 2023 under India's G20 Presidency. Department of Space (DOS)/ISRO, Government of Meghalaya, and India's Ministry of External Affairs had organised the precursor event. Ambassadors/ High Commissioners and senior diplomats of G20 Countries and invited Countries and eminent think tanks participated in it.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Conrad K Sangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya welcomed all the delegates to the state of Meghalaya and thanked the Hon'ble Prime Minister, under whom the G2O India Presidency hosted this precursor event in this state. He narrated how the Space applications have enabled the growth of the North Eastern Region and Meghalaya in particular and hoped that events like this facilitate the contribution of the region to the fullest extent towards national development. Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO, who participated virtually, recollected that India has established end-to-end capabilities in Space technology and the response to the 2020 space sector reforms is overwhelming. He urged for new technologies and new applications toward increased contribution to the Indian economy and world harmony. Mr. Pankaj Chaudhary, MoS in the MiniF, affirmed that the New Space fuels the economy and remarked that the opportunities for responsible Space activities should not be left unexplored. G20 India Sherpa Mr. Amitabh Kant, appreciating the role of Space technology in the well-being of humankind, called for the critical role to be played toward sustainable and socioeconomic development. Mr. Somanath S, Secretory, DoS/ Chairman, ISRO welcomed all delegates and outlined the layout and expectations of the precursor meeting. Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe briefed the opportunities post 2020 reforms.

There were three technical sessions. In a round table meeting, G20 countries presented their perspectives on the Space Economy. The present state of the space economy in the respective countries, efforts by the respective governments to promote the space economy including the New Space, and the challenges faced were presented. Secretary, DOS chaired the session and presented the Indian perspective. The awareness-building session on 'Space Economy: Policy perspectives' was chaired by Chairman, IN-SPACe where he presented on "Evolving Indian space policy framework and future outlook". The delegates made engaging technical presentations and actively discussed the status, trends, and future of the Space economy. In the concluding session explaining the 4^th SELM at Bengaluru, the delegates were briefed on the importance of the event, and the selection of the venue, and were urged to ensure the participation of a delegation from the respective countries.

Officials from the Department of Space, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Government of Meghalaya attended the event. ISRO and other leading Indian Space Industries showcased their products and Services. The government of Meghalaya presented a glimpse of its rich heritage. On the second day, the delegates visited various locations in Meghalaya.

The precursor event successfully enhanced the awareness of the contribution of space to the global economy and created momentum for the SELM at Bengaluru. The event is hoped to help the further proliferation of space technology applications in this region and enhance the engagements by space industries and start-ups.

The 4^th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meet in Bengaluru is planned during July 6-7, 2023. Under India's G20 Presidency, India's national Space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of the Department of Space (DOS) is organizing the SELM. The theme of the 4^th edition of SELM is "SELM: towards a new space ERA (Economy, Responsibility, Alliance)", in line with India's G20 Summit's theme of 'One Earth, One Space and One Future' and the demand for an alliance of responsible space fairing nations for an enhanced contribution of Space economy in the global economy. The Heads of National Space Agencies and leaders of space industries of G20 and Guest nations are expected to participate in the SELM.