UNESCO’s Pune Conference Charts Roadmap for Youth Skilling and Inclusive Growth

Pune, 30th April 2025: UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), organized an International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), spotlighting the future of skills, innovation and inclusive growth. The event drew over 500 participants, including 40 industry leaders and representatives from 70 national and international institutions.

The conference focused on key reforms needed in TVET, from strengthening industry-led training models and cross-sector partnerships to boosting capacity-building efforts. Discussions covered the digital skills, women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, green economy jobs, and entrepreneurship.

In a masterclass, Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, showcased a successful models of industry-integrated training, the role of digitalization in workforce development, and the importance of collaboration across sectors.

Chief Guest Sonam Wangchuk, Founding Director, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, emphasized the need for hands-on learning. “AI and the internet can never bring hands-on experience to your students.” He added, “We have to skill our young people into rebuilding this planet once again so that we can live in harmony.”

Dr. Neelma Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council, stressed the importance of safe and equitable workplaces for women. “We also need to have committees preventing sexual harassment of women in workplaces.” She underlined the broader need for systemic change, saying, “We cannot have gender equality in isolation. We must achieve gender parity through our beliefs, actions and institutions,” she said,referencing the Beijing Declaration’s call for strong mechanisms to advance women’s rights across.

Highlighting the role of local governance, Shekhar Singh, Commissioner of PCMC said, “Municipal corporations like ours must become active enablers of skill ecosystems—not just administrators.” He called for stronger public-private partnerships, encouraging industries to engage more actively with local bodies.

In a special video message, Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, underscored the broader impact of skill building: “Vocational training equips our youth and adults with not just skills, but also with the knowledge, values and attitudes they need to secure decent work and contribute to building the peaceful and sustainable world that we all envision.”

Jian Xi Teng, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, presented findings from the report Changing the Equation: Securing STEM Futures for Women. He emphasized, “Countries must collect gender-disaggregated data on women’s enrollment, retention, and careers in TVET and STEM; provide resources for women to pursue STEM education and careers; and empower TVET teachers to be supportive, gender-sensitive allies in learning.”

With over 50% of India’s population under 25, the need for robust skilling programs is critical. Recent investments by the Government of India—including the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence—signal a strong commitment to youth employment, lifelong learning, and the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Looking ahead, UNESCO will train vocational teachers from 20 institutions across India in 2025 through its Global Skills Academy, contributing to its global goal of reaching 10 million learners.

The conference also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNESCO and Symbiosis Skills & Professional University (SSPU) to collaborate on advancing inclusive skill development in STEM, green jobs, and digital transformation.