In a move to advance global skill development and lifelong learning, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This collaboration aims to empower individuals globally by equipping them with essential skills and qualifications, enhancing employability and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The MoU was signed by Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO and MD of NSDC International, and Sangheon Lee, Director of the Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department at ILO. The signing ceremony, attended by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, and other ministry officials, marks a commitment to leveraging the expertise of both organizations in talent development.
A pivotal component of this partnership is the implementation of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), a digital platform designed to streamline skill development initiatives. SIDH will facilitate the digitization of systems, processes, skills delivery, and job matching, offering a cost-effective model for governments, workers, and employers’ organizations in ILO member countries. This transformation aims to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and global impact of skill development programs.
Atul Kumar Tiwari highlighted the significance of the SIDH, stating, ‘This digital transformation will make skill development initiatives more accessible and impactful globally. MSDE is committed to creating policies and platforms that support lifelong learning and continuous skill development, ensuring our talent can succeed nationally and globally.’
The partnership will also foster public-private partnerships and knowledge exchange to enhance Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), develop micro-credentials, and promote the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through a global knowledge-sharing platform. Digital tools will be developed to assess and compare the skills and qualifications of Indian workers with those required in destination countries, thereby improving their mobility and global employability prospects.
Ved Mani Tiwari expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ‘This MoU is a significant milestone for India’s Skills Ecosystem. It will help build a pool of Indian youth for global opportunities by aligning and benchmarking Indian qualifications with global skills standards. India is becoming a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), opening opportunities for Indian youth to participate in remotely delivered knowledge work worldwide.’
Sangheon Lee echoed these sentiments, noting, ‘Combining NSDC’s technological capacity with ILO’s standard-setting functions and global reach has the potential to significantly improve training access and quality worldwide. This partnership will create a synergistic effect, amplifying our collective ability to lead the transformation of skills development for greater social justice.’
The collaboration will also emphasize promoting quality apprenticeships, work-based learning for employability and productivity, and developing sustainable enterprises. By focusing on data-driven approaches, ILO and NSDC aim to align skill development initiatives with the evolving demands of various industries.
