Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Namaskar!

I welcome you to India for the G20 Education Ministers Meeting. Education is not only the foundation upon which our civilization has been built, it is also the architect of humanity's future. As Education Ministers, you are the Sherpas leading mankind in our efforts for development, peace, and prosperity for all. In Indian scriptures, the role of education has been described as being key to bring joy. विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्। पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥ It means: “true knowledge gives humility. From humility comes worthiness. From worthiness one gets wealth. Wealth enables a person to do good deeds. And, this is what brings joy. This is why, in India, we have embarked on a holistic and comprehensive journey. We believe that Foundational Literacy forms a strong base for our youth. And, we are also combining it with technology. For this, we have started the ''National Initiative for Proficiency in reading with Understanding and Numeracy'', or ''निपुण भारत'' initiative. I am glad that ''Foundational literacy and numeracy'' has been identified as a priority by your group as well. We must resolve to work on it in a time-bound manner by 2030.

Excellencies,

Our objective has to be to provide quality education with better governance. In this, we have to adapt and use new e-learning innovatively. In India, we have taken several initiatives of our own. One such programme is the ''Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds'', or स्वयं. This online platform hosts all courses from Class Nine to the post-graduate level. It enables students to learn remotely, and focuses on access, equity and quality. With over 34 million enrolments and more than nine thousand courses, it has become a very effective learning tool. We also have the ''Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing'' or दीक्षा Portal. This is aimed at students in remote areas and those unable to attend regular classes. Teachers utilize it to deliver school education through distance learning. It supports learning in twenty nine Indian languages and seven foreign languages. It has witnessed over 137 million course completions. India would be happy to share these experiences and resources, particularly with those in the Global South.

Excellencies,

To make our youth future ready, we need to continuously skill, re-skill and up-skill them. We need to align their competencies with evolving work profiles and practices. In India, we are undertaking skill mapping. Our Education, Skill and Labour Ministries are working in tandem on this initiative. G-20 countries can undertake skill mapping at the global level, and find gaps that need to be plugged.

Excellencies,

Digital Technology serves as an equalizer and promotes inclusivity. It is a force multiplier in increasing access to education and adapting to future needs. Today, Artificial Intelligence offers great potential in the field of learning, skilling and education. With opportunities, technology also poses challenges. We have to strike the right balance. The G-20 can play an important role in this.

Excellencies,

In India, we have laid emphasis on research and innovation as well. We have set up ten thousand

''Atal Tinkering Labs'' across the country. These are acting as research and innovation nurseries for our school children. More than seven point five million students are working on more than one point two million innovative projects in these labs. G20 countries, with their respective strengths, can play a key role in promoting research & innovation, especially among the Global South. I urge you all to create a path for increased research collaborations.

Excellencies,

Your meeting holds immense significance for the future of our children and youth. I am glad that your group has identified green transition, digital transformations and women's empowerment as accelerators for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Education is at the root of all these efforts. I am confident that this group will come out with an inclusive, action-oriented and future-ready education agenda. This would benefit the whole world in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future. I wish you all a productive and successful meeting.

Thank you.

*****

DS/TS