Islamabad: At a five-day regional conference focused on “Empowering Workforce and Gender Inclusivity: Navigating the TVET Landscape through Digitalization and Green Practices,” Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the transformative potential of digital and green technologies in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Organized by the Colombo Plan Staff College and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, the event gathered experts to discuss the future of workforce development in Pakistan and beyond.
According to Press Information Department, Prof. Iqbal, serving as the Chief Guest, highlighted the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the Colombo Plan Staff College, noting Pakistan’s foundational role in the organization. He detailed the significant advancements in the country’s technical education facilitated by this collaboration. The conference, which also featured dignitaries such as Mr. Rana Mashood and Dr. GLW Vikra Masingge, served as a platform to explore the integration of digital tools in TVET systems, which Prof. Iqbal described as essential for making educational opportunities more accessible and effective.
The Minister underscored the critical role of digitalization in creating new job opportunities while also displacing others, referencing a World Economic Forum report that projects the creation of 150 million new roles due to digital transformations. He also addressed the importance of gender inclusivity in STEM and vocational training, advocating for targeted policies to encourage female participation and ensure equitable learning environments.
Prof. Iqbal further discussed the necessity of incorporating sustainable practices within TVET curricula to prepare the workforce for emerging green jobs and instill a sense of environmental responsibility. He highlighted the synergy between digitalization and green technologies, which can lead to innovative solutions promoting sustainable development.
In concluding his address, Prof. Iqbal called for a united effort among educational institutions, industries, and civil society to embrace digital and green practices fully, ensuring that these advancements lead to inclusive and sustainable growth. He quoted Nelson Mandela on the power of education to change the world, urging stakeholders to leverage this powerful tool for societal advancement and economic growth, especially in developing contexts like Pakistan.