Research Ministers of the G20 members and invitee countries today reaffirmed that research and innovation play a critical role in enabling inclusive and sustainable development. They also resolved to support all efforts for transforming research and innovation systems to respond to the changing world of the 21st century. The G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
 
Based on the engagements and discussions under the broad theme of ‘Research and Innovation for an Equitable Society’, an “Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary” was issued after the meeting.
 
While recognizing the importance of adoption of initiatives that promote lifestyles for sustainable development such as India’s LiFE initiative, the G20 Research Ministers acknowledged the need to expand the production and utilization of clean energy and to promote affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.
 
The Ministers also stressed the need to further develop capacities for more and better sustained coastal and ocean observations, monitoring, and forecasting systems, through enhanced international coordination and cooperation for achieving the objectives of a sustainable blue economy or ocean-based economy.
 
The G20 Ministers also expressed their commitment to encourage the mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions through mobility programs.
 
All G20 Research Ministers unanimously agreed to recommend the elevation of the Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering to the status of a formal Working Group, i.e., G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) under the Sherpa Track.