India has launched a UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, during an international conference on women’s participation in the future of work. The initiative aims to strengthen women’s access to skills, employment, and leadership in emerging sectors. It also reflects a broader push to align skilling with industry demand and inclusive growth.
Launch of the UNESCO Chair
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education. The chair is intended to support research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building on women’s participation in the workforce. It focuses on improving access to skill pathways for women, especially in sectors where participation remains low. The initiative also seeks to connect education, training, and employment outcomes more effectively.
Conference on Women and Future Jobs
The launch was part of the international conference titled Women Leading the Future of Work. The event brought together policymakers, global institutions, industry leaders, and academia. The conference discussed women’s role in sunrise sectors such as:
- Defence technology
- Robotics
- Industry 4.0
- Artificial intelligence
- Semiconductors
- Global capability centres
More than 40 industry experts participated as keynote speakers and panellists. The discussions brought into light the need to prepare women for future job roles through targeted and industry-relevant training.
Focus on Inclusive Skilling
Speakers emphasised that India’s growth will depend not only on economic scale but also on inclusive participation. The chair is expected to support women from underserved communities by improving their access to real employment opportunities. The initiative underlines the importance of skilling as a tool for economic progress, social mobility, and gender equity. It also aligns with India’s wider goals of workforce transformation and women-led development.
International and Institutional Participation
The conference featured contributions from international organisations such as UNESCO and the International Labour Organization. Experts from India and abroad discussed skills development, labour market trends, and the future of work. The presence of global and national stakeholders reflects growing interest in building partnerships for inclusive skill ecosystems. The initiative positions India as an emerging centre for gender-responsive skilling and future-ready workforce development.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026