Dharmendra Pradhan highlights NEP 2020's global impact in Australia

Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered a keynote address at the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne, emphasising the growing educational collaboration between India and Australia.

In Short

• Dharmendra Pradhan discussed India-Australia educational ties in Melbourne.
• The Minister met Australian Education Minister to enhance cooperation
• Australian university campuses in India mark new partnership

Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered a keynote address at the Australian International Education Conference held in Melbourne, where he emphasised the deepening educational ties between India and Australia. In his remarks, Pradhan highlighted the vital role education plays in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries, noting the immense potential yet to be realised through ongoing collaborations.

He pointed out that the establishment of Australian university campuses in India is just the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful partnership in higher education.

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

Both leaders discussed opportunities for further collaboration, including the possibility of school twinning initiatives and the establishment of additional Australian university campuses in India.

In his address, Pradhan underscored the transformative impact of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he described as a key driver in shaping India’s educational landscape to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The policy emphasises 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 of India’s role as a "Vishwa-Bandhu" or global partner in fostering human-centric development, stressing the country's commitment to creating global citizens. He highlighted the potential for both nations to work together in addressing global challenges through education, technology, and innovation, which can unlock endless opportunities for students in both countries.

In his speech, Jason Clare MP echoed Shri Pradhan’s sentiments, praising India’s rapidly growing education system. He predicted that by 2035, one in four university graduates worldwide will be from India. Clare also mentioned Australia’s longstanding educational partnerships with India, citing universities like Deakin and Wollongong as examples of successful collaboration, and expressed excitement about future opportunities for deeper engagement.

Earlier, the minister met with Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan MP and visited the South Melbourne Primary School, where he explored innovative early childhood education methods. He also visited the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Monash University, where he toured cutting-edge research facilities and discussed ways to enhance collaboration between Indian and Australian higher education institutions, particularly in emerging technologies and innovation.

Pradhan’s visit to Australia from October 22 to 26, 2024 marks a significant step toward strengthening educational ties between the two nations, building on the successes of NEP 2020 and setting the stage for continued collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.