The G20 presidency presents India with a unique opportunity to reshape the global education landscape. India is presiding over the G20 from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, with the G20 summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi in September 2023. The summit will bring together world leaders to discuss key global challenges and opportunities, with education being one of the top priorities. Under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” the G20 Education Working Group (G20 EWG) will focus on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education with opportunities for lifelong learning.

What is the G20?

The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. The member countries include:

• Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to these members, other states, and international organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations (UN), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) participate in the G20 discussions. Together, the G20 nations contribute over 80% of the global GDP, 75% of international trade, and represent 60% of the world’s population.

Initially established in 1999 to address financial and economic issues, the G20 has expanded its focus to cover key areas such as trade, anti-corruption measures, sustainable development, energy, environmental concerns, and climate change. The G20 operates through two primary components:

1. Financial Track: Addressing economic and financial policy matters.
2. Sherpa Track: Focusing on non-financial issues such as development, education, and digital transformation.

G20 India’s Vision for Education Empowerment

India’s G20 presidency offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance global education collaboration and skill development. By leveraging partnerships with G20 nations, India aims to:

• Enhance tech-enabled education: Collaborate with leading countries like the US and EU to adopt best practices and educational technologies.
• Align with global education standards: Upgrade India’s education system to attract international students and position itself as an education hub.
• Facilitate academic exchange: Foster partnerships for curriculum sharing, faculty exchange, and collaborative research.

Through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India has already made significant strides in transforming its education sector. The G20 presidency serves as a platform to showcase these reforms and invite global stakeholders to contribute to India’s educational growth.

Skills and Education as Diplomatic Tools

Education and skill development have emerged as powerful diplomatic tools in India’s strategy to strengthen international ties. India can:

• Leverage diplomatic relationships: Work closely with nations like Australia, Japan, and South Korea to enhance mutual educational cooperation.
• Promote skill-based programs: Position skilling initiatives as an alternative to traditional education for India’s youth, supporting the global demand for skilled professionals.
• Encourage global student mobility: Invite international students to study in India while facilitating opportunities for Indian students abroad.

Union Minister for Education and Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, has emphasized that India’s G20 presidency provides an ideal platform to showcase India’s education model, which can serve as a blueprint for other emerging economies.

India’s Message to the World

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Skilled India” aims to empower millions of young people with skills that are future-ready. By highlighting India’s success in the education and skilling sector, the G20 summit provides an opportunity to:

• Enhance India’s global image as an education leader.
• Encourage partnerships with top global institutions.
• Drive investment in the education sector.

Call to Action

India’s G20 presidency is a game-changer for the education sector, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. Stay updated on G20 developments and explore how India’s education reforms can impact global learning landscapes.

Explore India’s vision for a future-ready education system and join the movement towards a globally empowered learning ecosystem.

For more insights on India’s education initiatives under the G20 presidency, visit the official G20 India website or follow updates from the Ministry of Education.