Bhubaneswar, August 7: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday inaugurated the 13th BRICS Education Ministers' Meeting in Bhubaneswar and called for collective efforts to strengthen education, research and innovation across BRICS so that the education system withstands disruptions.

Delivering the inaugural address, Joshi said, “India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme of Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, each of which holds special relevance for education. Our education systems must withstand disruptions, embrace continuous innovation, foster deeper cooperation and build sustainable institutions that empower not only the present generation, but generations to come.”

The Minister urged all stakeholders to focus on strengthening cooperation across key priority areas identified under the BRICS Education Track, including 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.

Emphasising the transformative role of education in shaping the future, he highlighted India's BRICS 2026 Chairship theme, "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability," and called for collective efforts to strengthen education, research and innovation across BRICS.

“I would also like to highlight India's current BRICS Chairship marks the fourth time the country has led the grouping, with three of these Chairships taking place under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi,” said Joshi.

The meeting brought Education Ministers and delegates from BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates, to advance cooperation under the BRICS Education Track.

The meeting deliberated on key priorities including Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), skill development, research and innovation, mutual recognition of qualifications and academic leadership.