Second Education Working Group (EdWG) meeting concludes in Amritsar Punjab
Broad Consensus on key areas such as Research and Innovation Collaboration, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy and life long learning opportunities
The G20 EdWG held its deliberations in Amritsar, Punjab from 15th March-17th March. The meeting focussed on ‘Strengthening research and promoting innovation through richer collaborations’ along with exhaustive discussions on the other 3 priority areas of ‘Building Capacities, Promoting Life-long learning in context of Future of work’, ‘Ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy especially in the context of blended learning’ and ‘Making Tech-enabled learning more inclusive, qualitative and collaborative at every level’.
The Indian Chair of the G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) and Secretary, Higher Education, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy during closing remarks highlighted the importance of community’s involvement in student education and urgency of greater collaboration and partnership. G20 platform must create new relations beyond bilateral and think multilaterally. He said “India aims to take the documentation of this Education Working Group Meetings to all Higher Education Institutions to ensure that best practices are implemented at the administrative level and the final compendium brings a great impact on all institutions”.
Addressing Media officials after the conclusion of the three day 2nd EdWG meeting in which 58 delegates from 28 member & invitee countries and international organizations participated, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy said “We have high hopes for faster collaboration across higher education institutions to create workable solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Alternate India Chair, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education said that “Every participating nation in the discussion forum is on the same page for leveraging technology and joyful approach for achieving Foundational learning and Numeracy.” He further highlighted the Ministry of Education’s new initiative ‘Jaadui Pitara’ and NCERT stall at the exhibition held on the side-lines the working group meeting.
At the end of the media briefing, Secretaries thanked the Punjab Goverment for their hospitality and support in organising the Education working Group Meeting in Amritsar. Shri Sanjay Kumar further added “Yahan se Punjab ki khushboo poore vishwa main jayegi”
(This will help to permeate the fragrance of Punjab in the entire world.)
Delegates also visited the Golden Temple as part of the excursion component of the EdWG meetings on the concluding day of the three day event.
A mini exhibition was also set-up showcasing handicrafts and cultural elements of Punjab at the meeting venue for the delegates. Ministry of Tribal Affairs, designer Paramjit Kaur, Woodwork artist Amritpal Singh, artist Sh. Manohar Lal and Ajeevika Self Help Group were some of the participants. As a token of appreciation, delegates were also gifted a handcrafted phulkaari shawl from Punjab and authentic teas.
The event included a seminar and a multimedia exhibition at the historic venue of Khalsa College on the 15th March. The seminar highlighted India’s opportunity to establish itself as a leader in research and innovation globally. It also discussed the role of various stakeholders in promoting research on emerging innovations, their impact on education systems, and society. The exhibition witnessed a footfall of approx. 2500 students from 10 schools in and around Amritsar on the 16th and the 17th of March.
The event was successful in highlighting Punjab’s vibrant culture through various cultural events planned on the side-lines of the G20 meetings. The outcomes of the four EdWG meetings will be essential to draft the final declaration document to be shared at the concluding Ministerial Meeting
