Pune, 22nd June 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video message at the G20 Education Ministers’ Meet held in Pune, emphasizing the crucial role of education in shaping civilization and determining humanity’s future. The meeting, chaired by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, witnessed the participation of 150 G20 delegates, including ministers from G20 nations, invitee countries, and senior officials from international organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and OECD.
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Education Ministers, referred to as “Sherpas,” for their leadership in driving global development, peace, and prosperity. He highlighted India’s holistic and comprehensive approach to education, quoting an ancient Sanskrit Shlok that conveys the significance of knowledge, humility, worthiness, wealth, and joy.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of foundational literacy as the cornerstone for empowering the youth, noting India’s integration of technology to bolster this aspect. He praised the G20’s recognition of “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy” as a priority and urged concerted efforts to achieve this goal by 2030. The Prime Minister also stressed the need to adapt and leverage innovative e-learning methods, along with enhanced governance, to provide quality education.
India’s initiatives in the education sector were highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, including the “National Initiative for Proficiency in reading with Understanding and Numeracy” (Nipun Bharat) and the “Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds” (Swayam), an online platform offering courses from Class 9 to the post-graduate level. He also mentioned the “Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing” (Diksha Portal), facilitating distance learning in multiple languages.
Expressing India’s willingness to share experiences and resources, particularly with nations in the Global South, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to the Education Ministers and delegates, along with officials from UNESCO, UNICEF, and OECD. Dharmendra Pradhan, in his opening address, highlighted the G20 Education Working Group’s commitment to collective action in improving education’s reach, quality, and outcomes. He stressed the investment in education and skilling as vital for humanity’s progress and called for bridging knowledge and socio-economic gaps to create a more equitable and prosperous world through lifelong learning opportunities.
The 2023 G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting concluded with hopes of fostering positive change, establishing policy directions, and delivering meaningful outcomes. The Indian Education Minister expressed anticipation of witnessing the beneficial impact of the meeting’s decisions, while also pledging India’s support to the upcoming Brazilian Presidency. India and Brazil aim to tackle educational challenges and transform the G20 Education Working Group into a catalyst for progress.
During a subsequent press conference, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Brazilian Minister of Education H.E. Mr. Camilo Santana and other esteemed guests, praised the Indian Ministry of Education for hosting the 4th Education Working Group meeting. Minister Santana proposed important topics for the next year’s agenda, including enhancing teacher training, establishing a sharing mechanism for educational resources, and emphasizing community engagement for supportive learning environments.
Dr. Iwan Syahril, Co-chair for the G-20 Education Working Group, commended India’s facilitation and warm hospitality during the event. He praised India’s progress in driving the education agenda forward, particularly in Fundamental Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), equity, and inclusivity in education.
The G20 Education Working Group focused on four priority areas during their meeting: ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, promoting inclusive and qualitative tech-enabled learning, building capacities for lifelong learning in the context of the future of work, and strengthening research and fostering innovation through collaboration and partnerships.
The 4th Meeting of the G20 Education Working Group, centered around the theme “Ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in the Context of Blended Learning,” took place in Pune and culminated in the G20 Ministers’ meeting on June 22, 2023.
Various activities preceded the meeting, including awareness events, seminars, conferences, and an exhibition showcasing innovative practices in education, FLN, digital initiatives, research, and skill development.
The G20 Education Ministers’ Meet and the initiatives discussed therein reflect the global commitment to harnessing the power of education for humanity’s future. With concerted efforts and collaboration, nations can create a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous world, where quality education and lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to all.
