Channelling Skill Development Strategies To Convert ‘Brain Drain’ to ‘Brain Gain’
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised its 10th Global Summit on Skill Development and Livelihood on 13th December 2022.
The Summit this year was centred on the theme ‘Forging Agile and Flexible Workforces: Bolstering Global Mobility of Skilled Talent’. The sessions mapped emerging trends in the demand for skilled labour across borders, identified strategies through which India could develop a globally competent skilled workforce, and addressed current obstacles in the way of international mobility of skilled Indian candidates.
Shri V. Muraleedaran, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said of the event, “I am glad that CII is hosting this global summit and had initiated discussion among global stakeholders to discuss the very critical issue of skill development for India.”
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India delivered the inaugural address where he highlighted the need for the government and industry partners to work together. He stated, “We at the Ministry of External Affairs remain committed to providing the best possible environment and best possible opportunities for our job seekers. Ultimately the aim is that you convert the ‘brain drain’ to ‘brain gain’ by empowering our population so much that they are very much in demand.”
Ms Tuula Haatainen, Minister of Employment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, in her special address said, “We know that the global competition for [acquiring] talent is fierce. This is why we greatly appreciate the opportunity to strengthen the ties between our two countries in promoting talent mobility. India is a key partner for Finland in this regard”. During the event, CII signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Business Finland to help facilitate the mobility of Indian talent to Finland.
The 10th edition of the Wheebox-CII India Skills Report 2023 was also released at the Summit. Reaching over 300,000 students across the nation and 150+ corporates, the India Skills Report 2023 maps the readiness of our present talent pool for new-age jobs and the skills that employers are now seeking in prospective employees.
Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman, CII National Committee on Skill Development and Livelihood, and Chairman and Managing Director, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. stated, “The information gathered indicates a favourable trend toward digital modernisation, and more employment is anticipated in the upcoming years. I am glad that employability for the country has increased and the youth of India are viewed as being highly employable to a great degree, which bodes well for the multiple government-led and private skilling programs in the nation.”
Mr. Aditya Ghosh, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Skill Development and Livelihood 2022-23, Co-Founder, Akasa Airlines and Chairperson, Social Enterprise Central of SEWA said, “When I was growing up, Indians moving overseas for economic opportunities was seen as a negative thing, as a brain drain. In contrast, today we see our demographic profile as a dividend which could be used for the progress of India and our citizens.” Stressing the importance of the event, he continued, “We may not be able to solve for everything in one day, but building relationships and building trust will be, I think, one of the key elements of this day.”
The Summit is part of CII’s efforts to provide a roadmap to make India the skill capital of the world. Mr. S.K. Behera, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Skill Development and Livelihood and Vice Chairman and Managing Director, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd. said, “At CII, we are working very hard for skilling of people inside the country and those who are going out as well.”
More than 30 eminent speakers representing the government, industry and academia participated in the one day event, which provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and collaborations among key players. The event was attended by over 300 delegates from a diversity of sectors.
13 December 2022
New Delhi