A kickoff meeting to initiate and form the ‘Goa Development Group’ which will aim towards a publication titled, ‘Goa Development Report’ (Vol1) which will aim to address ‘Issues in Goan Development’ that will contribute to better policy and public management in Goa. The kickoff meeting brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives, to initiate discussions on sustainable economic growth, social equity, and community development in Goa. The kickoff meeting also set the stage for a series of seminars and activities that will foster a deeper understanding of the region’s unique development context and promote actionable strategies to enhance the well-being of its residents.

The CPPG organized the Kickoff Meeting in collaboration with the ICG, Dona Paula. The GDG is a group of all individuals – experts, professionals, practitioners and others with a deep interest in Goa, its people, its growth and development. The Centre had sent out personalized invitations to over 250 plus participants from various sectors. The meeting witnessed overwhelming participation from around 60 plus participants from diverse professions & sectors (academia, industry, activists, civil society, bureaucracy, other experts and practitioners) some of whom were also presenters for the thematic sessions. The 8 thematic sessions were on key issues and aspects in Goa’s economy & society – Land & related issues, Mining, Forests & land-use, People, Economy, Politics, Public Service Delivery and Agriculture – covering about 29 presentations in total.