The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing skill development and lifelong learning initiatives both in India and globally. The collaboration, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aims to equip individuals with essential competencies, enhancing their employability and fostering sustainable economic growth.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, and Mr. Sangheon Lee, Director of the Employment Policy, Job Creation, and Livelihoods Department at the ILO. The signing ceremony, attended by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, and other ministry officials, marked the beginning of a partnership focused on developing effective policies, governance, and financing structures for skill development on both national and international scales.

A key component of this partnership is the implementation of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). This digital initiative aims to streamline skill development efforts, making them more efficient, accessible, and impactful on a global scale. Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari highlighted that SIDH would enable governments, workers, and employers’ organizations in ILO member countries to digitize systems and processes related to skills delivery and job matching. This digital transformation is expected to enhance the efficiency of skill development initiatives, supporting lifelong learning and continuous skill development.

The partnership also aims to foster public-private collaborations and knowledge exchange to strengthen Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), develop micro-credentials, and promote Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through a global knowledge-sharing platform. By improving the comparability of skills and qualifications, the collaboration will help develop digital tools to assess and align the skills of Indian workers with those required in potential destination countries, thereby improving their mobility and global employability prospects.

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari described the MoU as a significant milestone for India’s skill ecosystem. He emphasized that aligning and benchmarking Indian qualifications with global standards would open up global opportunities for Indian youth. The focus on skilled migration, he noted, presents new opportunities for those looking to join the international workforce. The partnership will also facilitate the development of regional qualification frameworks, such as the South Asian Qualification Framework, benefiting youth from neighboring countries as well.

Mr. Sangheon Lee of the ILO highlighted that the partnership leverages NSDC’s technological capacity and the ILO’s global reach to improve training access and quality worldwide. He emphasized that this collaboration aims to lead the transformation of skills development, promoting social justice on a global scale.

The partnership will prioritize promoting quality apprenticeships, work-based learning, and the development of sustainable enterprises. By using data-driven approaches, NSDC and ILO aim to align skill development initiatives with the evolving demands of various industries. Additionally, innovative learning programs will be developed to be flexible and inclusive, ensuring that skills development remains relevant and accessible to all segments of society.