New Delhi, August 07, 2026

Education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, with resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability forming the foundation of future learning systems. Delivering this message at the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar on Friday, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the importance of strengthening global collaboration to ensure education remains inclusive, adaptable and focused on preparing young people for emerging challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Joshi said, “Last month, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading India’s education sector. I consider this a responsibility of immense significance, especially given the scale and diversity of India’s education ecosystem. I consider this, therefore, a special privilege that one of my early opportunities to engage with my international counterparts is here among the colleagues from the BRICS family.” He further added, “The 13th BRICS Education Ministers Meeting also assumes particular significance as India holds the BRICS chairmanship this year. I take this opportunity to express India’s appreciation for the support and constructive engagement of all member countries in advancing our shared priorities.”

Highlighting India's BRICS chairmanship theme, “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,” the minister said the vision is particularly relevant to the education sector. He noted that education systems must be equipped to withstand disruptions caused by pandemics, economic uncertainties, climate challenges and rapid technological advancements while continuing to adapt to the aspirations of every new generation. Stressing that education should remain people-centric, he said, “This spirit of humanity first is particularly relevant to education. Technology will change, economies will transform, new professions will emerge, and old ones evolve. But at the centre of every education system must remain the human being: the child seeking an opportunity to learn, the teacher shaping the young minds, the researcher pursuing new knowledge, and the young person aspiring for a better future. That, I believe, should also be the guiding principles of our deliberations today.”

Ahead of the ministerial meeting, the Ministry of Education organised the 3rd BRICS Senior Officials Meeting under India’s chairmanship, bringing together representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), collaborative research and innovation, mutual recognition of qualifications, academic leadership and the BRICS Guiding Principles on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The meeting concluded with the finalisation of the proposed outcomes for the BRICS Education Ministers’ Declaration, reflecting the member nations’ shared commitment to strengthening educational cooperation and shaping resilient learning systems for the future.