The Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, 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) is an official Engagement Group of the G20. It serves as an “idea bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks and high-level experts to discuss policy issues relevant to the G20. T20 recommendations are synthesised into policy briefs and presented to G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and leaders’ summit to help the G20 deliver concrete policy measures.

Meghalaya has demonstrated its proactive commitment towards climate resilience through a range of adaptive measures and interventions. Meghalaya has adopted the concept of “Nature Banks” to mobilise funds for conservation and incorporate environmental risks into capital markets. Additionally, the state has also introduced its revolutionary “Carbon Farming Act,” which aims to establish a novel legislative framework for promoting regenerative agriculture and retaining carbon in the soil within the state. However, these measures are still at a nascent stage. This is a pivotal moment to devise inventive and visionary frameworks to address the pressing ecological and environmental issues in Meghalaya, and to establish crucial pioneering advancements and institutional mechanisms to actualise the shift towards a sustainable economy centred on conservation, regeneration, and nature positivity.

In this context, this sub-national three-day dialogue 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 Shri Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and feature keynote addresses by Shri D.P. Wahlang, Chief Secretary of the Government of Meghalaya; Ms. Eenam Gambhir, Joint Secretary (G20) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; and Shri 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. 

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