Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi participated in the third and concluding day of the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar on Friday, as education ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries discussed measures to strengthen international cooperation in education, skills and research.
The three-day meeting brought together representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia and the UAE to deliberate on shared educational priorities and develop a roadmap for greater collaboration under the BRICS Education Track.
Five Key Areas Dominate Discussions
The final day’s deliberations focused on several priority areas considered important for building stronger and more inclusive education systems across BRICS nations.
The discussions covered:
- Early childhood care and education
- Skill development and vocational education
- Research and innovation
- Mutual recognition of academic qualifications
- Educational leadership and institutional cooperation
The participating countries explored ways to strengthen collaboration in these areas while sharing experiences, policies and best practices.
Focus on Mutual Recognition of Qualifications
One of the important areas discussed during the meeting was the mutual recognition of educational qualifications.
Greater recognition of academic and professional qualifications across BRICS countries could facilitate student mobility, academic exchanges and international collaboration.
The discussions are also expected to contribute towards creating stronger links between educational institutions and improving opportunities for students and professionals across member nations.
Strengthening Research and Innovation
Research and innovation also remained a key component of the BRICS education agenda.
Delegates discussed the need to encourage greater institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing and joint research initiatives among universities and educational institutions in member countries.
The emphasis on innovation is aimed at helping BRICS nations respond to emerging challenges while developing skills and academic capabilities required for the future economy.
Skill Development Gets Major Focus
Skill development was another significant priority during the meeting.
With the changing nature of employment and increasing demand for specialised skills, participating countries discussed ways to strengthen vocational education and make learning systems more closely aligned with industry requirements.
Greater cooperation in skill development could help young people access new employment opportunities while supporting the workforce requirements of rapidly evolving economies.
Pralhad Joshi Highlights Importance of BRICS Cooperation
Addressing the gathering, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi welcomed the international delegates and highlighted India’s tradition of hospitality.
He invoked the Indian principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, meaning that guests are treated with the highest respect, while acknowledging the efforts made by delegates who travelled across countries, oceans and different time zones to attend the meeting.
Joshi said the participation of representatives from across the BRICS grouping reflected the importance attached by member countries to the organisation and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation under the BRICS 2026 agenda.
Bhubaneswar Hosts Major International Education Dialogue
The three-day meeting placed Bhubaneswar at the centre of an important international dialogue on education.
The participation of senior officials and delegates from nine BRICS member countries provided an opportunity to discuss common challenges and identify areas where countries can work together in education, research, skills and innovation.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to future initiatives under the BRICS Education Track and strengthen academic and institutional cooperation among member nations.
The event also highlighted India’s growing role in shaping international discussions on education and provided Odisha’s capital with a platform to host a major global-level policy gathering.
