Frontlist | Edu. Min. welcomes UNESCO’s support in implementing NEP

Frontlist | Edu. Min. welcomes UNESCO’s support in implementing NEP
on Jan 28, 2021

UNESCO New Delhi team led by Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative, met with Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Hon'ble Minister of Education, on 20 January 2021. During the meeting the Hon’ble Minister was briefed on UNESCO’s role in supporting national education systems to respond to contemporary challenges through education with gender equality as the underlying principle. As a custodian of Sustainable Development Goal 4, UNESCO contributes to the achievement of Agenda 2030 by promoting inclusive, equitable and quality education. On behalf of UNESCO New Delhi, Eric Falt congratulated the Ministry of Education (MoE) on the launch of the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a holistic, evidence-based policy that aims to transform various aspects of primary, secondary, vocational and higher education in India and holds the potential to inspire many other countries in the region and beyond. A brief presentation by UNESCO  New Delhi Director, outlined the education sector priorities which UNESCO is currently working on, how they dovetail with the NEP and their relevance for the implementation of the NEP over the next decade. These key areas included Inclusive Education, Universal Access to Education, Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Teachers, Health and Wellbeing and Planning and Policy Making support including COVID-19 impact assessment and development of the join framework for reopening of schools. During the discussions, the Hon’ble Minister appreciated the role UNESCO is playing to support the achievement of SDG 4 and expressed his desire for UNESCO New Delhi to support the Ministry towards the implementation of the NEP. The Hon’ble Minister highlighted the various initiatives India has undertaken during the pandemic to support the continuity of learning by providing remote assistance to students and teachers alike. Eric Falt presented Dr Pokhriyal with a copy of two of its flagship publications, the State of the Education Report for India 2020: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Minding our minds during COVID-19: helping school going children manage their mental health. Prepared in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, the 2020 State Education Report aims to serve as a reference tool for enhancing and influencing the policies and programs related to skills development in India. Whereas the guide, divided in five modules, is designed for principals, head-teachers, teachers and parents to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that the school going children are feeling, during the times of pandemic.   Source: UNESCO