NUA Odisha Global Summit Wraps Up, Setting the Stage for State’s Growth and Employment Strategies

Bhubaneswar: The NUA Odisha Global Summit on Growth & Employment concluded on Tuesday after two days of vibrant discussions, idea exchanges, and exploration of innovations in skill development and employment. The event, organized by the Department of Skill Development and Technical Education (SDTE) in Odisha, witnessed the active participation of over 500 delegates, including more than 100 industry leaders, HR heads, academia, and stakeholders in the skill sector.

The summit, a pioneering initiative, hosted a total of 16 sessions that fueled insightful discussions, leading to impactful insights and strategies for long-term growth and employment generation in the state.

Addressing the press after the summit, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of SDTE Dept, Government of Odisha, emphasized the state’s potential for modern industries. She highlighted Odisha’s dynamic industrial policy, attracting investors to diverse sectors such as IT and ITeS, manufacturing, FMCG, logistics & supply chain, and various services. Padhee also underscored the importance of the ‘Skilled In Odisha’ initiative, actively preparing the youth to meet future demands.

Inaugurating the summit on Monday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed optimism that the program would contribute to the long-term development and capacity building of the state’s youth for the future workforce. Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, added valuable insights on the new era of Odisha’s transformation.

On the first day, Pritiranjan Gharai, Minister of Skill Development and Technical Education, highlighted the global recognition achieved by Odisha as a significant skill development hub, branding ‘Skilled In Odisha.’

The second day featured an interactive session on ‘Championing Women’s Empowerment,’ led by Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Mission Shakti. The session highlighted the substantial impact of women empowerment programs in the state, with over 70 lakh women contributing to Odisha’s growth.

Former corporate leader and current BJD National Spokesperson Dr. Santrupt Misra and Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary Industries Department, actively participated in different sessions throughout the summit.

The valedictory session, graced by Usha Padhee, Smt. Alka Misra, Chairperson of Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), and Reghu G, CEO of OSDA, expressed gratitude to the national and international stalwarts from diverse sectors for their valuable inputs.

A coffee table book showcasing the stories of nano-entrepreneurs from Odisha’s hinterlands, nurtured under the flagship ‘Swakalpa’ initiative of the state government, was unveiled during the closing ceremony, adding a celebratory note to the successful conclusion of the summit.