Sydney, Australia: Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, participated in the 2nd Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting held today in Sydney. Joining him were Australia’s Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP, and Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles MP.
During his address, Pradhan highlighted the significance of the AIESC as a vital platform for enhancing educational ties and advancing shared objectives in skills development between Australia and India. He stated, “The AIESC meeting has become crucial for strengthening knowledge bridges, breaking new ground, and envisioning a brighter future for both nations.”
Pradhan emphasized that education and skills are pivotal for economic prosperity and for fostering enduring connections between the peoples and institutions of the two countries. He noted that the ministers engaged in fruitful discussions concerning the future workforce, education needs, and bridging skill gaps through training. Strengthening research collaboration between higher education institutions in Australia and India was also a focal point of their dialogue. The Minister expressed optimism that the AIESC would further solidify the bilateral partnership across all education levels, including school, vocational skills, and higher education. He announced that the next AIESC meeting is set to take place in India in 2025.
Earlier in the day, Pradhan held discussions with high-level administrators from Innovative Research Universities (IRU), a coalition of Australian universities dedicated to inclusive excellence in education and research. He engaged in enriching discussions regarding collaborative education delivery methods and impactful research initiatives. The Minister explored potential collaborations between the IRU and Indian higher education institutions to advance educational agendas.
Pradhan’s visit to Australia, from October 22 to 26, 2024, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the education sector, promoting collaboration and synergy in areas of mutual interest. Prior to his visit to Australia, he was in Singapore on October 20-21, where he met with key leaders, including the Prime Minister and Education Minister, to discuss expanding cooperation in skill-based education and research.