**Executive Summary**
On 24 April 2026, Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University in Pune. The initiative was introduced during the international conference “Women Leading the Future of Work” to promote inclusive skill ecosystems. The project aims to position women at the forefront of emerging technical sectors through industry-aligned, equitable training.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Establishment of the UNESCO Chair**
* Inauguration of Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development in Pune.
* The initiative is a collaboration between UNESCO and Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU).
* The Chair focuses on bridging gender gaps in skill development to drive social and economic transformation.
**Conference Themes and Objectives**
* The "Women Leading the Future of Work" conference gathered global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
* Discussions centered on strengthening women’s participation in "sunrise sectors" and future job roles.
* Focus areas include AI, Robotics Industry 4.0, Semiconductors, Defense Technology, and Global Capacity Centres.
**Strategic Goals for Inclusivity**
* Targeting women from underserved communities to provide skills that lead to real-world opportunities.
* Aligning vocational training with current industry demands to ensure economic progress.
* Fostering confidence, independence, and long-term empowerment among women through specialized skilling initiatives.
**Impact Analysis**
**Women (particularly from underserved communities)**
**Impact**
They gain access to specialized training in high-growth sectors like AI and advanced manufacturing, leading to increased confidence and economic independence.
**Action Required**
Engage with the new skill development ecosystems and participate in training programs tailored for emerging technological roles.
**Academia and Educational Institutions (SSPU)**
**Impact**
Positioned as a global leader in inclusive workforce transformation and host to a prestigious international research and training chair.
**Action Required**
Collaborate with global institutions and industry leaders to deliver curricula grounded in equity and new-age technologies.
**Industry Leaders and Employers**
**Impact**
Benefit from a more inclusive and diverse workforce specifically trained to meet the demands of sunrise sectors like semiconductors and robotics.
**Action Required**
Contribute expertise as industry champions and align recruitment strategies with inclusive skilling initiatives.
**Global Policy Makers (UNESCO/ILO)**
**Impact**
Establish a framework for gender-inclusive skill development that can be scaled internationally.
**Action Required**
Provide ongoing expertise and platform support to ensure the initiative meets international standards for workforce transformation.
Key Entities Referenced
UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development: Asia’s first such chair established to empower women in emerging sectors like semiconductors and AI through inclusive skilling and equity.
Jayant Chaudhary: Union Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship who launched the UNESCO Chair initiative.
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune: The educational institution in Pune where the UNESCO Chair was established and the international conference was hosted.
International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work”: A global forum organized with UNESCO to deliberate on strengthening women’s participation in sunrise sectors and industry 4.0.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: The primary central ministry leading the initiative to align skilling with industry demand for economic and social transformation.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Global Leaders Call for Inclusive Skills
Ecosystems as Shri Jayant Chaudhary Launches
Asia’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion
at Pune
Posted On: 24 APR 2026 7:07PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 24 April 2026
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and
Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary successfully launched the UNESCO Chair on
Gender Inclusion and Skill Development today. The initiative was part of the International
Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work” organised in collaboration with UNESCO at
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune.
The Chair was formally inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary. On this occasion Ms. Aditi
Tatkare, Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of Maharashtra and Ms.
Monica Nagelgaard, Hon’ble Consul General of Norway, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor,
SSPU were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Govt of India said,
“India’s growth trajectory will be defined not only by scale but by how inclusively we empower
our people. Initiatives like this UNESCO Chair ensure that women are at the forefront of
emerging sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and new-age technologies.
When skilling is aligned with industry demand and grounded in equity, it becomes a powerful
driver of both economic progress and social transformation.”Ms. Aditi Tatkare appreciated the initiative on reaching women from underserved communities
and enabling them with skills that lead to real opportunities. Such initiatives are critical for
building confidence, independence, and long-term empowerment among women.
The International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work”, brought together global
institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to deliberate on strengthening
women’s participation in sunrising sectors and future job roles. The successful launch of the
UNESCO Chair and the international conference mark a significant step toward positioning India
as a global leader in skill development and inclusive workforce transformation. The Conference
had distinct themes focussing on the future of Jobs in emerging sunrise sectors such as Defence
Technology, Robotics Industry 4.0, AI, Semi-Conductor and Global Capacity Centres. Over 40+
distinguished industry champions from various companies who contributed to this Conference
as keynote speakers and panellists. The conference featured keynote addresses by global
experts including: Ms. Mary Overington, Trade and Investment Commissioner (South Asia), Mr.
Gabriel Bordado, Skills Specialist, International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms. Soledad Patiño,
UNESCO Global Skills Academy, Paris and Ms. Priscilla Wanjiku Gatonye, UNESCO-UNEVOC,
Germany among other International and National dignitaries.
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