The 4th Education Working Group meeting, organized by G-20 India Chair and Secretary of Higher Education K Sanjay Murthy, began on Tuesday, June 20th in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The primary objective of the meeting is to finalize outcome documents for the Education Ministers Meeting to be held on June 22, 2023. The meeting also aims to discuss and exchange best practices for the future of work, tech-enabled learning, research and collaboration, and foundational literacy and numeracy.
During the first day of the 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 programs by setting a common agenda for the group in a comprehensive manner through the EdWG Report and Compendium.
According to Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency, India is committed to being a source of solutions for global and local challenges. He emphasized the valuable exchange of best practices in the previous three EdWG meetings held in Chennai, Amritsar, and Bhubaneswar, and how the fourth meeting will address the theme of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). He further added that India is focused on driving towards an inclusive international order that works together despite ideological differences for sustainable global good.
The 4th EdWG meeting also featured an exhibition, which showcased FLN-related initiatives, with over 12,000 attendees and 80+ exhibitors in attendance. Notable participants in the exhibition include NCERT, IKS (Indian Knowledge System), Microsoft, Nipun Bharat initiative, Indonesia, UNICEF, UNESCO, and many others.
G20 Delegates had the opportunity to participate in a Heritage Walk of Pune City where they visited Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, and Nana Wada to experience the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Additionally, International Day of Yoga celebrations will be arranged to give G20 delegates an opportunity to do Yoga for a healthy mind and soul.
Education plays an important role in shaping the future of any nation, and with the concerted efforts of nations across the globe, it is possible to build an inclusive learning environment. The 4th EdWG meeting provides a platform for policymakers to exchange knowledge and best practices to ensure that every child has access to fundamental literacy and numeracy.
