Dharmendra Pradhan highlights the global impact of NEP 2020 in Australia

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan delivered the keynote address at the Australian International Education Conference held in Melbourne, where he highlighted the deepening educational ties between India and Australia. In his remarks, Pradhan highlighted the key role that education plays in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, noting the enormous potential that remains to be tapped through continued cooperation.

He emphasized that the establishment of Australian university campuses in India is just the beginning of fruitful cooperation in higher education.

During the conference, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with Australian Minister of Education, MP Jason Clare, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of skills development and early childhood education.

The two leaders discussed opportunities for further cooperation, including the possibility of school partnership initiatives and the establishment of additional Australian university campuses in India.

In his speech, Pradhan highlighted the transformative impact of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he described as a key factor in shaping the Indian education landscape to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The policy emphasizes digital literacy, critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies, which are essential in preparing students for the evolving global job market.

NEP 2020 FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Union Education Minister Pradhan also spoke about India’s role as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’ or global partner in supporting people-centric development, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating global citizens. He highlighted the potential of both nations to cooperate in tackling global challenges through education, technology and innovation that can open up limitless opportunities for students in both countries.

In his speech, MP Jason Clare echoed Shri Pradhan’s sentiments, praising India’s rapidly developing education system. He predicted that by 2035, one in four university graduates in the world will come from India. Clare also touched on Australia’s long-standing education partnerships with India, citing universities such as Deakin and Wollongong as examples of successful collaboration, and expressed excitement about future opportunities for deeper engagement.

Earlier, the minister met with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, MP, and visited a primary school in South Melbourne, where he learned about innovative early childhood education methods. He also visited the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Monash University, where he toured state-of-the-art research facilities and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Indian and Australian higher education institutions, particularly in new technologies and innovation.

Pradhan’s visit to Australia from October 22-26, 2024 is a significant step towards strengthening educational ties between both nations, building on the successes of the NEP 2020 strategy and setting the stage for further cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.