EDII And Research & Information System For Developing Countries Organises Y20 India Brainstorming Session

As part of its efforts to engage the youth and seek their active participation in India’s G20 presidency, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad in association with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) organised the Y20 India Brainstorming Session on Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills.

The programme was organised to give youth a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy on diversity and inclusion, thus sensitising them to the cause and empowering them with updated information and knowledge.

The inauguration of the programme took place in the presence of Chief Guest, Shri Hitesh Makwana, Mayor, Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr Pankaj Vashisht, Associate Professor, RIS and Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.

The key agenda of the programme was to provide the youths a platform for discussions on various aspects related to the challenges that technology poses for the future of work in India and deliberate on the same, and strategise on the most effective use of cutting-edge technologies for development. A series of panel discussions were also organised as part of the event. The panel discussions and the brainstorming focused on the challenges and solutions of MSMEs in the backdrop of Industry 4.0. The panellists and the audience engaged in deliberating upon the futuristic skills required to cope with the challenges. 

Shri Hitesh Makwana, Hon’ble Mayor, in his address said, “I beckon the youth to play a significant role in the sphere of development.  They must come up with thoughts, plans, and strategies that help build a rewarding structure and system. I urge the youth to fix a goal and carve a path towards it in a responsible way. Time is an essential factor and I advise youth to respect time, be resilient and pursue their goals with all devotion.”

Highlighting the significant role that youths could play, Dr Pankaj Vashisht said, “This year focus has been given on the role of various engagement groups in the G20 Summit.  Y20 is one of the engagement groups which provides a platform for youth to voice their opinions and brainstorm ideas on the future of work. I want the youths to step forth, discuss their aspirations, and inhibitions, prioritise innovation and the hard work required to pursue dreams.”

Addressing the audience, Dr Sunil Shukla said, “We must encourage abilities and capacities in our youth, and involve them in development. EDII is privileged to be a part of the process where youths are guided towards entrepreneurship, ensuring balanced growth. The younger generation has to be introduced to this field of entrepreneurship, more so, because they have a strong affinity with innovation and technology, which are ultimately the foundation of development, startups and businesses.”

About Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad was set up in 1983 as an autonomous and not-for-profit Institute with support of apex financial institutions - the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd. and State Bank of India (SBI). The Government of Gujarat pledged twenty-three acres of land on which stands the majestic and sprawling EDII Campus.  EDII has been recognized as the CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. The Institute has also been listed as the Institute of National Importance by the Education Department, Govt. of Gujarat. For more information visit: www.ediindia.org