The 4th Education Working Group meeting (EdWG) spread over two days is being held in Pune to finalize outcome documents. These documents are to be presented at the Education Ministers meeting also in this Maharashtra metropolis and an educational hub on 22nd June, 2023.
Education for a sustainable and prosperous future will be part of declaration by the G20 countries later this year as these gather for the summit under India’s presidency. The EdWG track aligned with the Indian G20 Presidency’s theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth One Family One Future”, in finding out inclusive solutions and collective actions to address the diverse global challenges of the day during the past 4 meetings.
It emphasised on 4 priority areas, including, Ensuring foundational literacy and numeracy, especially in the context of blended learning; Making tech-enabled learning more inclusive, qualitative, and collaborative; Building capacities and promoting lifelong learning in the context of the future of work; and Strengthening research and fostering innovation through enhanced collaboration and partnerships. The meetings were an opportunity to collectively agree on actions for accelerating achievement of the SDGs and foster synergies between the G20 nations towards these priority areas.
Deliberations with the G20 delegates on the draft ministerial declaration took place on day 1 of the 4th EdWG meeting. The International Organisations (IOs) UNICEF, OECD and UNESCO presented the education working group report. G20 members and invited countries appreciated the sustained efforts of the Indian Presidency and IOs for having put together the education policies and programmes by setting a common agenda for the group in a comprehensive manner through the EdWG Report and Compendium.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator, India’s G20 Presidency emphasized that India, as the world’s largest democracy, is being considered a source of solutions for global and local challenges. He highlighted the valuable exchange of best practices in the previous three EdWG meetings held in Chennai, Amritsar, and Bhubaneswar, focusing on tech-enabled learning, research and collaboration, and the future of work. The Fourth and final meeting will address the theme of Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN). He further added that India is focussed in driving towards an inclusive international order that works together despite ideological differences for sustainable global good.
Sanjay Murthy, Secretary Higher Education, who chaired the meeting earlier extended a warm welcome to all the delegates attending the 4th EdWG meeting. He shared that the exchange of experiences and best practices witnessed during the EdWG meetings will pave way for targeted actions aimed at ensuring fundamental literacy for every child. He also highlighted the importance of the previous three meetings and expressed appreciation towards the G20 delegates for the enthusiastic participation witnessed in all past EdWG events. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education and Literacy, and Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as Alternate Chairs were also present.
During the 4th EdWG, G20 delegates appreciated the sustained efforts of the Indian G20 presidency towards developing the EdWG report and Compendium. These outcome documents will serve as a roadmap for the international community, guiding coordinated actions to ensure inclusive and high-quality education for all learners.
On the side-lines of the 4th EdWG, a meeting and seminar were held on the theme ‘Ensuring Foundational Literacy & Numeracy especially in context of Blended Learning.’ Additionally, a multimedia exhibition is being held at Savitribai Phule Pune University from 17th-22nd June 2023. With over 12,000 attendees and 80+ exhibitors, the exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase FLN related initiatives. Notable participants in the exhibition include NCERT, IKS (Indian Knowledge System), Microsoft, Nipun Bharat initiative, Indonesia, UNICEF, UNESCO and many others.
G20 Delegates also participated in a Heritage Walk of Pune City which included visit to Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal and Nana Wada to experience the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. In addition, International Day of Yoga celebrations will be arranged to give G20 delegates, an opportunity to do Yoga for a healthy mind and soul.
