Pune Shines as Global Education Hub: G-20 EdWG Meeting and Inspiring Pre-Event Seminars
Pune, 16th June 2023: The Ministry of Education is preparing to host the 4th Education Working Group (EdWG) meeting in Pune, Maharashtra. This highly anticipated event, scheduled from June 20th to 21st, 2023, will bring together 85 delegates from G-20 member countries, guest countries, and esteemed organizations such as OECD, UNESCO, and UNICEF.
Ministers from 15 countries have confirmed their participation in the Education Ministers’ gathering on June 22, 2023, along with senior representatives from UNICEF, OECD, and UNESCO.
In a pre-event press conference, Secretary of Higher Education K. Sanjay Murthy and Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy (DOSeL) Sanjay Kumar interacted with the media. They provided an overview of the ongoing G-20 4th EdWG meeting, Ministerial Meeting, Jan Bhagidari events, and precursor events taking place in Pune.
K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted the successful conclusion of the seminar titled “Accessible Science: Fostering Collaborations.” This seminar, organized in collaboration with IISER Pune and ELSEVIER, released a report titled “The status and relevance of research collaborations for development, considering G20 nations.” The report, unveiled earlier in the day at IISER Pune by MoS for Education Dr. Subhas Sarkar, presents valuable insights on research collaborations and the growth of India’s scientific community.
Murthy also shared that a seminar and exhibition will precede the main G20 EdWG Meeting. The seminar, themed “Ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, especially in the context of Blended Learning,” will take place on June 19th, 2023, at Savitribai Phule Pune University. The event will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.
Distinguished speakers such as the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra Chandrakant Patil, and School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar will deliver keynote addresses. Prof Manjul Bhargava will present on the topic of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).
The seminar will also feature three panel discussions:
- “Teaching Learning Approaches and Pedagogy for FLN in Blended Mode,” chaired by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL.
- “Role of Parents, Caregivers and Community Members in supporting FLN (Home Learning), Socio-emotional Skills, and Health & Nutrition of Children,” chaired by Aditi Das Rout, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- “Capacity Building and Training of Teachers for FLN in the Context of Multilingualism,” chaired by Nidhi Chhibber, Chairperson, CBSE.
These panel discussions will involve delegates from Spain, Australia, UAE, Indonesia, South Africa, USA, China, UK, as well as multilateral organizations like OECD and UNICEF.
A multimedia exhibition will also be held, showcasing best practices in education, FLN, digital initiatives, research, and skill development. Over 100 exhibitors, including UNICEF, NSDC, NCERT, National Book Trust, Indian Knowledge Systems Division (IKS), and startup initiatives, will present their contributions. The exhibition, inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Education Annpurna Devi on June 17th, 2023, will be open to local institutions, students, academicians, and researchers from June 17th to 22nd, 2023, excluding June 19th.
Informed by Sanjay Kumar, the Secretary of DOSEL, it has been revealed that a wide range of activities have been launched since June 1, 2023, in preparation for the fourth Education Working Group Meeting of G20. These activities encompass Janbhagidari events, workshops, exhibitions, seminars, and conferences, engaging individuals from various walks of life at the State, District, Block, Panchayat, school, and higher education levels. Notable contributors to the Jan Bhagidari events include Kendriya Vidyalayas, higher education institutes, NCERT, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The program has been a resounding success, witnessing unprecedented participation of over 40 million students, which reflects a remarkable level of interest and engagement among the masses.
As a prelude to the main event, a two-day National Conference on Foundation Literacy and Numeracy, themed “Creating the Base for Lifelong Learning,” will be hosted from June 17th to 18th at Savitribai Phule University in Pune. The conference aims to identify and discuss the most effective practices employed by states in fostering an environment conducive to foundational literacy and numeracy among young learners. Key participants will include the Education Departments from all states and union territories in India, Knowledge Partners of the Government of India, UNESCO & UNICEF, and civil society organizations.
Also, G20 delegates will have the opportunity to partake in cultural events and dinners that showcase Pune’s vibrant cultural aspects and thriving culinary scene. Additionally, excursions such as the Heritage Walk of Pune City and International Day of Yoga celebrations will allow participants to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and traditions. After the conclusion of the Education Ministers’ meeting on June 22, 2023, the Education Ministers will be taken on a heritage tour of the Shaniwar Wada.
