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First AIESC Meeting at IIT Gandhinagar

Priti Palit

AIESC Meeting at IIT Gandhinagar

Today, a significant event is taking place at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar – the first meeting of the Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC). This council, previously known as the Australian India Education Council (AIEC), was established back in 2011 to shape the direction of education, training, and research collaborations between Australia and India. In this article, we’ll delve into the purpose of this meeting and its potential impact, highlighting key areas of discussion.

Download August 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

Expanding the Scope of Collaboration

The AIESC has evolved over time to align with the national priorities of both countries. The main focus is on promoting internationalization, facilitating two-way mobility, and encouraging cooperation in the fields of education and skill development. What makes this meeting particularly special is that, for the first time, education and skill development are coming together under a single institutional forum.

The Meeting’s Leadership

The meeting is co-chaired by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who serves as both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the Government of India, and Hon Jason Clare MP, the Minister for Education in the Australian Government. Joining them is Hon’ble Mr. Brendan O’Connor, the Minister for Skills and Training in Australia.

A Platform for Collaboration

The primary goal of the AIESC meeting is to provide a platform for experts in academia and skill development to discuss a wide range of shared priorities. The ultimate aim is to shape the future of education and skill development in both nations. The discussions revolve around three key themes:

  1. Shaping Future Workforces: Exploring ways to prepare future generations for the workforce and the changing demands of the job market.
  2. Strengthening Institutional Partnerships in Education: Enhancing collaboration between educational institutions in India and Australia to foster knowledge exchange and innovation.
  3. Driving Research Impact through Internationalization: Encouraging research partnerships and collaboration that have a global impact.

Diverse Participation: AIESC Meeting

The AIESC meeting sees the participation of senior government officials from both India and Australia, as well as leaders of Higher Education Institutions and skill sectors from both countries. The diverse participation ensures a well-rounded discussion that takes into account the interests and expertise of multiple stakeholders.

Exploring Collaborative Opportunities

As part of the meeting, ministers from both countries are visiting key institutions to identify areas for collaboration. These institutions include:

  1. Centre for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar: This center focuses on nurturing scientific thinking and creativity among students and teachers by creating tools, sharing STEM-focused ideas, and setting up science centers and labs.
  2. Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDDU): PDDU was established to keep pace with the evolving energy industry, continually building the necessary intellectual capital and human resource skills.
  3. Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK): VSK aims to support the goals outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 by enhancing data-based decision making and improving learning outcomes for academic and non-academic activities.

Exploring Australian Campuses in India

The program’s second day includes visits to Gift City, Deakin University, University of Wollongong campuses, and Arambh (the beginning): Australian University campuses in India. These visits showcase the importance of international collaboration in education and skill development.

Fostering Research Collaborations

The meeting’s agenda also includes discussions on “Research Dialogue: New Horizon in Research Collaboration.” This segment aims to identify innovative opportunities for deeper research collaboration between the two countries. It will explore ways to strengthen research ecosystems, engage in industry partnerships, and enhance research networks in various disciplines.

Conclusion: AIESC Meeting

The AIESC meeting at IIT Gandhinagar represents a pivotal moment in the collaboration between India and Australia in the fields of education and skill development. As both countries work together to shape the future of education and skill development, the potential for mutual growth and innovation is immense. This meeting is a testament to the power of international partnerships in driving progress and fostering excellence in education and skill development.

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