We Are Undertaking Skill Mapping, Other Nations Can Also Do It To Fill Gaps: PM Modi At G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting

While addressing the Education Ministers' Meeting, PM Modi expanded by saying that digital technology acts like an equaliser and promotes inclusivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the G20 Education Ministers' Meeting virtually on Thursday said that India is undertaking skill mapping and other G20 countries can also undertake skill mapping at the global level and fill the gaps that exist. During his address, he said that India needs to continuously skill, reskill and upskill the youth. He added that the competency of the youth needs to be aligned with the evolving work profiles and practices which is why even the labour ministry is working in tandem on this initiative. 

While addressing the Education Ministers' Meeting, he expanded by saying that digital technology acts like an equaliser and promotes inclusivity. He added that digital tech is like a force multiplier in increasing access to education and is adaptive to future needs. He also cautioned the ministers about the challenges that technology poses. He also stressed the role of G-20 in striking the right balance between the opportunities and challenges posed by technology.

He said, "Today artificial intelligence offers great potential in the field of learning and skilling. With opportunities, technology also poses challenges. We have to strike the right balance and G20 can play an important role in this."

The Prime Minister then talked about how India has laid emphasis on research and innovation. He added, "We have set up 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country and they are acting as research and innovation nurseries for our school children. 1.5 million students are working on more than 1.2 million innovative projects in these labs."

PM Modi urged the G20 countries to do their part towards this cause as well. He said, "G20 countries with their respective strengths can play a key role in promoting research and innovation, especially among the Global South. I urge you all to create a path for increased research collaborations." He then talked about what the outcome of G20 countries working towards this might look like and said, "I am confident that this group will come out with an inclusive, action-oriented and future-ready education agenda. This would benefit the whole world in the true spirit of Vasudev Kutumbakam."

PM Narendra Modi's virtual address comes after the conclusion of the fourth and last meeting of the G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) in Pune on Wednesday. The EdWG meeting was attended by about 80 participants from G20 Members, invited nations, and international organisations (IOs).

The two-day meeting was presided over by Indian Chair K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education and Literacy along with Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, functioned as the meeting's alternate chairs. 

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