India’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development to be Launched at SSPU Campus

Pune :  Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, in association with UNESCO Paris, is set to mark a significant milestone in India’s education and skilling landscape with the launch of Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development for Women Empowerment.
The UNESCO Chair will be formally launched by the Chief Guest, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, on Friday, 24th April 2026, at the International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work” organised in collaboration with UNESCO and being held at SSPU Campus, Kiwale, Pune.
The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU and UNESCO Chairholder, who is a globally recognized Skill development policy expert, a member of the B20 Task Force, and recipient of the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru (FINEAS) Grant (2024-2025).
This landmark initiative positions India at the forefront of global efforts to strengthen skills ecosystems, technical education, and workforce readiness, in alignment with international standards and future workforce demands. Established under the aegis of UNESCO Paris, the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at SSPU will act as a centre of excellence and global knowledge hub for advancing skill-based education and employability with a focus on increasing the participation of women in the workforce.
This International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work”, will reinforce the critical role of skills development in enabling women’s participation in sunrising sectors like AI, Semiconductor Technology and Defence Tech.
Distinguished Dignitaries at the Conference
Chief Guest:
Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Government of India
Guests of Honour:
Ku. Aditi Varda Sunil Tatkare
Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of Maharashtra
Ms. Monica Nagelgaard
Hon’ble Consul General of Norway

The conference will feature distinguished speakers from leading global organizations:
• Ms. Mary Overington – Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia
• Mr. Gabriel Bordado – Skills Specialist, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Ms. Soledad Patiño – UNESCO Global Skills Academy, Paris
• Ms. Priscilla Wanjiku Gatonye – Programme Officer for Inclusion and Youth, UNESCO-UNEVOC, Germany
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development has been established to create an inclusive ecosystem that expands opportunities for girls and women through STEM-oriented skill development. The Chair focuses on increasing women’s participation in STEM by promoting future-ready skills, strengthening inclusive education systems, and building gender-responsive learning environments. It also works towards enhancing institutional capacity and empowering educators to inspire greater engagement of women in science, technology, and innovation-led careers.
Through its initiatives, the UNESCO Chair has implemented impactful skill development programs, particularly for underprivileged girls, combining academic learning with industry exposure and achieving strong employment outcomes. It actively undertakes research, policy dialogue, and international collaborations to advance gender inclusion in workforce ecosystems. The Chair also organizes global conferences, awareness programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives such as Kushal Saathi, while promoting lifelong learning, global mobility pathways, and industry partnerships to strengthen women’s participation in emerging sectors and future job roles.