In a virtual meeting on Saturday, G20 Education Ministers resolved to work together in the areas of Education Continuity, Early Childhood Education and Internationalization in Education

They also pledged to work together and share best practices to bring about inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

According to an official press release, Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said these themes are priority areas that the Indian government has been pursuing.

He said India’s commitment for these themes is reflected in the new National Education Policy 2020, which seeks to bring transformational changes in the education landscape of the country. India will continue the efforts it has taken to reform and transform its education system and mitigate the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic, said the minister.

In regards to ensuring education continuity in times of crises, the communique recognizes the value of distance and blended teaching and learning and underscore the importance of enhancing access to high-quality education, professional development for educators, digital infrastructure and content, cybersecurity awareness, appropriate teaching methodologies and active learning.

It also acknowledged the fact that these approaches complement face-to-face learning. Moreover, the communique, on the importance of Early Childhood Education (ECE), emphasizes the importance of improving the accessibility and affordability of quality ECE for all children, especially those in vulnerable groups.

It pointed out the need to raise family and community awareness of the vital role of quality ECE that is delivered in accordance with children’s developmental needs at each stage.

Furthermore, the communique expresses the resolve to encourage internationalization in education by sharing best practices in education, as well as the adaptation of such practices at the local, national and international levels. It supports advancing the discussion on internationalization at the K-12 level.