Asia First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion Launched in Pune by Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Jayant Chaudhary, this week, launched the first-ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development for Asia at an international conference on "Women Leading the Future of Work" in Pune. The chair, launched in partnership with UNESCO at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, seeks to enhance inclusive skill development for women and girls. The chair will tackle the education-to-employment and leadership gap in the future job market. The chair is a part of UNESCO’s worldwide initiative on gender-responsive education and workforce development, making India a leading centre for inclusive growth and future skills.

UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development Key Highlights

• The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development is the first such initiative in Asia, and is a significant achievement in global education and skill development programmes.

• Launched at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University at the international event "Women Leading the Future of Work", it aims to connect education, skill development and employment opportunities for women.

• The chair is designed to bridge the gap between education, skill development and work for women and girls.

• It will serve as a regional centre for research, innovation and capacity building in gender-inclusive workforce development.

• The chair emphasises women's skills training in emerging industries such as AI and robotics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

• It fosters partnerships across government, academic, industry, and international groups to build inclusive skills systems.

• The chair works on policy development and evidence-led recommendations to enhance gender equality in the workforce.

• It enables social and structural support for women in high-growth sectors.

• The Chair coordinates with UNESCO's UNITWIN initiative on promoting international academic collaboration since 1992.

• More than 300 diverse global stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders, took part in discussions during the chair launch.

• The programme focuses on empowerment through education to work, leadership and women's entrepreneurship.

• It also focuses on mentorship programmes such as STE programmes for girls for career readiness.

• The initiative recognises that inclusive skilling is key to economic and social development.

• The event is a headline showcase of gender-inclusive skilling and workforce transformation in India.

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Conclusion – Shri Jayant Chaudhary Launches Asia's First UNESCO Chair

Jayant Chaudhary's establishment of Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development is a pivotal moment in the journey towards inclusive development and equal opportunities. This UNESCO initiative enhances India's leadership in gender equality in education and skilling. It will unlock research and innovation and build partnerships to empower women and disadvantaged groups, address workforce skill gaps, and help create a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-proofed world.