India has successfully launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on gender inclusion and skill development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune.

The UNESCO Chair on gender inclusion and skill development is a prestigious international initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in technical and vocational education.

Its objective is to ensure that women are at the forefront of emerging economic sectors and to promote equality in skill development that accelerates both social transformation and economic progress.

By hosting the first such 'Chair' in Asia, it positions India as a global leader in inclusive workforce transformation.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary successfully inaugurated the UNESCO Chair on gender inclusion and skill development on 24 April, 2026.

This initiative was part of the international conference on the theme "Women Leading the Future of Work" organized at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune in collaboration with UNESCO.

UNESCO Chair key features

Regional focus: It prioritizes training women in emerging sectors and new-age technologies, including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics and defense technology.

Global collaboration: This launch was part of the 'Women Leading the Future of Work' conference, which included experts from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO-UNEVOC (Germany) and UNESCO Global Skills Academy (Paris).

Inclusive access: It specifically targets women from marginalized communities, providing them with industry-relevant skills that create real-world employment opportunities.

Expert engagement: It includes a network of more than 40 distinguished industry experts and policymakers who align academic skills with real industry demand.

Collaboration of two ministries: Both the Ministry of Skill Development and the Ministry of Education have collaborated to integrate gender-inclusive skill development into the broader educational framework.

History and key facts of UNESCO

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was established on 16 November, 1945 after the devastation of World War II with the aim of building lasting peace through "intellectual solidarity" via education, science and culture.

Its constitution came into force on 4 November, 1946 and its headquarters is located in Paris, France.

UNESCO was established with the signing of its constitution by 37 countries at a United Nations conference held in London in November, 1945.

Headquarters: Paris, France (since its first session in 1946).

Membership: As of 2026, UNESCO has 194 member states and 12 associate members.