Pune, April 25, 2025:
UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), hosted a landmark International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Pune. The event drew over 500 participants, including 40 industry leaders and 70 institutional representatives from across India and abroad, spotlighting innovation, inclusion, and future-ready skill building.
The conference addressed key reforms in vocational training, focusing on industry-led models, women’s participation in STEM, green economy jobs, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, delivered a masterclass on integrating digital skills and cross-sector collaboration in workforce development.
Chief Guest Sonam Wangchuk emphasized the importance of hands-on learning in an AI-driven world. “We have to skill our young people into rebuilding this planet,” he stated. In the session, Dr. Neelma Gorhe, who is Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, stated need of systemic reforms for the gender equity and safe workplaces, highlighting the Beijing Declaration’s framework for women’s rights.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh called for municipalities to act as active skill ecosystem enablers and urged industries to partner more closely with local bodies. A special video message by UNESCO South Asia Director Tim Curtis highlighted the value of skill development in fostering a peaceful, sustainable world.
UNESCO Programme Specialist Jian Xi Teng shared key findings from the “Changing the Equation” report, stressing the need for gender-disaggregated data, resource access for women in STEM, and gender-sensitive training for TVET educators.
With over half of India’s population under 25, speakers emphasized the urgent need for scalable and inclusive skilling programs. The Government of India’s recent investments, including five National Centres of Excellence, underscore its commitment to a “Viksit Bharat.”
Going ahead, UNESCO plans to train vocational teachers from 20 Indian institutions in 2025 through its Global Skills Academy. The event concluded with the signing of an MoU between UNESCO and SSPU to collaborate on skilling in STEM, green jobs, and digital transformation, reinforcing the collective vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
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