New Delhi: Industry leaders, policymakers and education experts on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government to build a skills-first workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
The discussion took place at the inaugural ‘Skills First India Leadership Dialogue’, organised by Medhavi Skills University on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, and centred on the theme, “Building a Skills First India: The Workforce Imperative for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Participants discussed the need to align higher education with industry requirements, mainstream work-integrated learning, strengthen apprenticeships and create policy frameworks that improve youth employability.
Addressing the gathering, Robin Hibu, IPS, Special Commissioner (HR) and Director General of Police, Delhi Police, and industry representatives highlighted the importance of equipping young people with future-ready skills as India’s workforce undergoes rapid technological and economic transformation.
Speaking at the event, Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, said India has an opportunity to build a skills-first ecosystem through closer collaboration between education institutions, industry and government. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor, stressed the need for sustained dialogue on policies and partnerships to prepare young people for the future of work.
The event featured two panel discussions—one examining industry’s role in shaping talent and integrating work-based learning into higher education, and another focusing on policy measures required to strengthen India’s skills ecosystem through institutional collaboration.
The dialogue was organised to mark World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, which this year carries the global theme “Skills for a Shared Future.”
