May 14, 2024

UOW and AICC discuss the implications of the Universities Accord on India and bilateral relationships

Event discussed potential bilateral collaborations and the need of transformative policies to building a robust education sector

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC) joined forces to co-host an event aimed at discussing the profound implications of the Universities Accord on India.

The event was hosted at the NSW Parliament House and brought together senior leaders from academia, government, and industry, creating a platform for thought-provoking discussions about the future of the education sector in both countries.

Australian Universities Accord Report with its recommendations aims to create a long-term reform plan for the higher education sector meeting Australia's future skills needs.

Co-hosting the event were UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson, and AICC Co-Convenor Deep Mukherjee. The lineup of speakers featured Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy, Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO, Newland Global Group Executive Director Natasha Jha Bhaskar and Australia India Chamber of Commerce Director Harish Rao.

Professor Davidson congratulated the AICC delegates and attendees on delivering a successful event that was focused on building a stronger and resilient education sector in Australia.

“There's a pressing need for parity between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education, recognising the value and contributions of both sectors,” Professor Davidson said.

“Emphasising the importance of having more qualified individuals in both Australia and India will be essential to meet the evolving demands of the global workforce.

“As a sector we need to advocate for smart policies to create a sustainable growth in higher education to ensure sustainable development and innovation gets on the frontline. It will create ample opportunities for work-integrated learning, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

“There is also a need to explore potential mechanisms to recognise the lifelong learning, providing skills passports, and harmonisation of qualifications to support continuous professional development.”

_{Luke Sheehy, Universities Australia CEO}

The discussions highlighted numerous examples of excellent bilateral relationships in trade and services sector between both countries that serve as models for effective collaboration between nations. It also recognised India's openness for business and collaboration, paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The event concluded on a note of optimism, with participants and stakeholders dedicated to fostering meaningful collaborations, promoting policy changes, and harnessing the transformative potential of education to create a brighter, more inclusive future for both Australia and India.