Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) embarked on a significant 3-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 1-3, 2023.
During his visit, he engaged in discussions with key UAE ministers, officials, educators, Indian community representatives, and business leaders.
- The primary objective of the visit was to reinforce both nations’ educational and skill development systems, ensuring mutual benefits and growth.
- He also toured the Interim Campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi-Abu Dhabi and the 42 Abu Dhabi School for Disruptive Learning, along with meetings with UAE education leaders.
India & UAE Sign MoU to Enhance Educational Cooperation for Students & Faculty
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expanded their educational cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in education, including student and faculty mobility, exchanging educational information, and fostering academic partnerships between institutions in both countries.
Signatories:
The MoU was signed between Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, India and Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of Education, UAE, in Abu Dhabi.
Key Points:
i.The MoU outlines various aspects, including the Exchange of Information in Education, Capacity Development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teaching staff, and Facilitation of academic collaboration between Higher Education Institutions in both countries.
ii.This collaboration will enable the introduction of Twinning, Joint Degree, and Dual Degree Programs, further strengthening educational ties between the nations.
The MoU will facilitate the creation of a Joint Working Group (JWG) chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Education from India and UAE.
- The JWG shall meet at least once a year alternately to review the implementation of this MoU.
NSDC International & DP World’s WE ONE signed an Agreement to Upskill Indian Youths
NSDC International has signed an agreement with We One, a subsidiary of DP World, to support the skill development and employment opportunities for the front-line workforce.
- DP World is a Dubai-based multinational logistics company providing smart end-to-end logistics Solutions.
- NSDC International is a not-for-profit public limited company and a wholly owned subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Key people:
The agreement was signed by Ved Mani Tiwari Managing Director of NSDC International Ayoub Hassan Al Mulla, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WE ONE in the presence of India’s education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DP World.
Key Points:
i.The agreement between NSDC International and WE ONE reflects the continuity of the collaboration established in 2022 between NSDC International and Hindustan Ports, a DP World subsidiary.
ii.The goal remains to enhance global skills by establishing the Skill India International Centre in Varanasi, promoting skill training and opportunities such as pre-departure orientation and foreign language training.
NSDC & EFS Facilities Services Group Sign MoU for Skilled Workforce Mobility
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and EFS Facilities Services Group, a UAE-based Facilities Management Firm, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate Skilled International Workforce Mobility (IWM) for Indian nationals, with a specific emphasis on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Satinder Pal Singh, COO of EFS, and Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, MSDE.
Objective: To promote Skilled International Workforce Mobility (IWM) for Indian nationals, with focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Key Points:
i.The collaborative effort aims to establish a foundational framework for skilled workforce mobility, including the development of co-branded skilling institutions to equip Indian nationals with the necessary skills for international and local employment.
- The partnership targets the creation of access to approximately 5000 overseas job opportunities for skilled Indian nationals over the next 3 years.
ii.Additionally, NSDC and EFS will collaborate on the development of courses for the Skill India Digital App, supporting accreditation and curriculum development for various training institutes.
- The MoU also includes provisions for offering placement opportunities in key industries across the GCC region.
Other Highlights of edu Minister’s visit to UAE:
i.He also interacted with students and faculty at Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS). He stated that ADIS, one of the largest schools in Abu Dhabi catering to the Indian community, is nurturing Indian students and instilling in them the culture, values and ethos of both India and the UAE.
ii.He also interacted with the Principals of 105 Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE)-affiliated schools in the UAE highlighted the effective implementation of NEP 2020 and plans to integrate global best practices, ensuring holistic growth.
- Recognizing the significant Indian diaspora in the GCC, including over 2.50 lakh students in the UAE, CBSE India’s decision to establish a regional office in Dubai will enhance administrative efficiency.
iii.The visit showcased the essential role of skill development in the India-UAE relationship, acknowledged in the Vision Document unveiled by Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
- The collaboration emphasized the critical role of upskilling in enhancing workforce productivity and meeting the UAE’s labour market needs from India.
iv.The Union Minister also engaged with key industry players including VFS Global and Transworld, aiming to create more avenues for skilling, apprenticeship, and future-ready employment for the youth, aligning with the government’s focus on building robust skill landscapes.
NSDC:
i.National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is a not-for-profit public limited company.
ii.NSDC was set up by the Ministry of Finance as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
iii.The Government of India through the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) holds 49% of the share capital, while the private sector holds 51%.
About United Arab Emirates (UAE):
President- Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Capital– Abu Dhabi
Currency– UAE dirham (AED)
About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
CEO– Ved Mani Tiwari
Incorporated on 31st July 2008
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
