PANAJI
The Goa government has appointed around 100 liaison officers to undergo specialised training ahead of the G20 Summit. These officers are expected to play a crucial role in managing the logistical needs of delegates representing different countries during the eight meetings slated from April to July.
Various government agencies led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant are holding marathon meetings along with the G20 delegation from New Delhi to oversee preparations for the upcoming summit. Roping in electric vehicles, promoting zero plastic and sustainability as well as Goa’s culture and tourism are on the agenda.
“Operational and logistical challenges need to be addressed along with preparedness for the summit keeping in mind the monsoon season. Around 100 liaison officers are being provided with the necessary training in line with the requirements of the summit,” said a senior bureaucrat from the G20 Working Committee. A special team has also been put in place to ensure a hassle-free experience for the VIP delegates all through their duration of stay in Goa.
The organisers are in the process of hiring electric buses and additional vehicles for the summit. Additionally, the government has made arrangements to cater to the medical needs of the delegates at different venues as ambulances and medical staff will be made available throughout the delegates’ stay in the State.
Secretary, Protocol and Nodal Officer – G20 Sanjit Rodrigues has suggested ideas to enhance the overall experience of the visiting delegates. “Goan elements of cultural and historical significance at different venues can be infused besides procuring and upcycling local items to install at common spaces used by the delegates,” he said.
The G20 officials also met Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai to brief him on the plan for the upcoming meetings wherein the latter stressed that plans should include sustainability, promotion of hinterland tourism and Goa’s rich culture and heritage. This meeting comes two days after meeting CM Sawant to review the preparedness in the State.
