India Launches Asia’s First UNESCO Chair to Boost Gender-Inclusive Future Skills

In a significant push to reshape India’s workforce for the future, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary on Thursday launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University. The announcement came during the international conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work,” organised in collaboration with UNESCO in Pune.

At its core, the initiative seeks to address a growing concern: women remain underrepresented in high-growth sectors even as demand for future skills accelerates. By focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence , robotics , semiconductors , and advanced manufacturing , the Chair aims to ensure women are not left behind in the next phase of economic transformation.

Unlike traditional academic programmes, the UNESCO Chair is designed as a research hub that integrates training , policy innovation , and industry collaboration. It will help develop job-oriented curricula , promote leadership pathways for women, and strengthen links between education and employment to ensure real outcomes .

Speaking at the event, Jayant Chaudhary emphasised that India’s progress will depend on inclusive growth , noting that aligning skilling with industry demand can drive both economic and social transformation. Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare highlighted the need to empower women from underserved communities through meaningful opportunities.

The initiative also supports India’s ambition to become a global hub for technology and manufacturing by expanding the talent pool and boosting productivity. However, its long-term success will depend on effective implementation and overcoming social barriers that limit women’s participation.

More than a policy step, the launch signals a shift toward building an inclusive workforce ready for the future economy.