Pune, India | 24 April 2026: UNESCO, in partnership with Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), convened the second edition of the International Conference on Women Leading the Future of Work, bringing together policymakers, academia, industry leaders and international organizations to advance inclusive skills ecosystems that enable women and girls to transition from education and skills development to employment, leadership and entrepreneurship.
The conference also marked the establishment of the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at SSPU- the first UNESCO Chair of its kind in Asia, reinforcing UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening gender-responsive education and skills systems aligned with the evolving demands of the digital and green transitions.
The UNESCO Chair was formally inaugurated in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, alongside Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, and Ms. Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway.
The UNESCO Chair was formally inaugurated in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, alongside Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, and Ms. Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway.
Welcoming the initiative, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of strengthening skills ecosystems that prepare India’s youth, particularly young women, for emerging sectors and future employment opportunities, emphasizing the role of collaboration between government, academia and international organizations in bridging skills gaps and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The conference gathered over 300 participants, including representatives from government institutions, universities, industry, international organizations and civil society. More than 40 industry leaders from sectors such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductor technology and global capacity centres contributed to discussions on the future of work and evolving workforce demands.
Discussions examined how technological transformation and climate transitions are reshaping labour markets worldwide and explored pathways to enable women to successfully transition from education and skills development to employment, leadership and entrepreneurship. Participants underscored the need to address persistent structural and socio-cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in high-growth sectors.
Globally, women represent only 28.2 per cent of the STEM workforce, despite accounting for a significantly higher proportion of graduates in STEM-related disciplines. Closing these gaps remains essential to achieving equitable and sustainable development outcomes, particularly as digital innovation and green economies reshape employment landscapes.
Established under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme launched in 1992, the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development will serve as a regional platform for research, innovation and capacity-building, promoting inclusive skills development models and advancing gender equality across emerging industries.
UNESCO works with its global network of UNESCO Chairs and partners to ensure that girls and women are not only prepared for the future of work, but empowered to lead the digital and green transitions shaping our societies. Strengthening cooperation between education systems, industry and policymakers is essential to remove barriers to skills access and create equitable pathways toward sustainable development.
Jian Xi TengProgramme Specialist for Education, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia
Established under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme launched in 1992, the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development will serve as a regional platform for research, innovation and capacity-building, promoting inclusive skills development models and advancing gender equality across emerging industries.
As part of the conference outcomes, SSPU launched the SSPU Impact Compendium on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, documenting practices and lessons learned in advancing women’s participation in skills development pathways. The event also introduced the “Kushal Saathi” mentorship initiative, designed to support girls pursuing STEM education and career pathways through mentorship, guidance and industry engagement.
These initiatives build on ongoing collaboration between UNESCO and SSPU, including programmes such as Jaago: Girls Leading STEM for Sustainable Futures, which promote access to STEM education, green skills and innovation opportunities for girls and young women.
Through partnerships such as the UNESCO Chair network, UNESCO continues to support Member States in strengthening inclusive education and skills systems that empower women and girls to shape equitable, sustainable and resilient futures in India and beyond.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-symbiosis-champion-women-lead-digital-and-green-transitions-india-and-beyond?hub=701
