Mumbai : “When nations of the Global South learn from each other, we don’t just exchange knowledge—we build collective strength for a shared future,” said Hon’ble Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, during his Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines from October 20–22, 2025. The visit, facilitated by the World Bank, underscored India’s growing leadership in advancing partnerships on skills, entrepreneurship, and human capital development across the Global South.

“Our visit to the Philippines reaffirmed the deep warmth and shared aspirations that bind the two nations. The India–Philippines partnership is rooted in a common belief—that investing in human capital through skilling and entrepreneurship is the most powerful way to drive inclusive growth. As nations of the Global South, our collaboration is not just about exchanging best practices, but about co-creating pathways for a more equitable and future-ready world,” he added.

During his meeting with H.E. Mr. Bienvenido Laguesma, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Republic of the Philippines, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in skill development and capacity building.

The two leaders explored joint initiatives to enhance employability in rapidly changing labour markets and to leverage digital technologies for workforce transformation. They underscored the need for data-driven policy frameworks and institutional knowledge sharing to address global workforce challenges and promote equitable, future-ready skilling opportunities.

Shri Chaudhary also met H.E. Jose Francisco Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – the Philippines’ apex body responsible for formulating manpower and skills plans, setting competency standards and assessments, and steering national policies for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across both public and private sectors.

Shri Chaudhary participated in high-level engagements with other key Philippine institutions, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The discussions centred on skill development, labour mobility, digital transformation, and data-driven policy frameworks for a rapidly evolving global workforce.

On the sidelines of the official engagements, Shri Chaudhary also interacted with the Indian diaspora in the Philippines. He appreciated their role as a “living bridge” between the two nations, celebrating their contributions in strengthening India–Philippines relations through enterprise, learning, and cultural exchange. The diaspora members expressed their enthusiasm for deepening educational and professional linkages between India and the Philippines.

The visit concluded with a shared understanding to strengthen institutional partnerships, exchange best practices, and advance capacity-building initiatives that empower youth and promote inclusive growth. The India–Philippines collaboration stands as a model of how knowledge exchange can translate into sustainable human capital development across the Global South.

The Indian delegation accompanying the Minister included senior officers from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and representatives from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Their participation reflected the Centre–State synergy in building future-ready, globally relevant skilling ecosystems.