World Youth Skill Day Celebrated in Goa with focus on skills, innovation and industry partnerships

Skilling, reskilling and upskilling will shape Goa’s future says CM Dr. Pramod Sawant

Goa Khabar : The Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Goa, celebrated World Youth Skill Day 2026 at Kala Academy, Panaji. The event showcased innovative projects, emerging technologies and vocational initiatives by students, educational institutions, government departments, industry partners and entrepreneurs. Five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed to strengthen industry collaboration, institutional partnerships and employment opportunities.

The programme featured a special skit on the importance of skill development, directed by Sham Gaonkar of the Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant visited stalls put up by ITIs, government departments, educational institutions and small entrepreneurs, where he interacted with participants and appreciated the innovations on display, particularly the electric vehicles developed by ITI students. Delegates were also felicitated for their contribution to the sector. The exhibition will remain open to the public for the next two days, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the initiatives showcased at the venue.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant extended his greetings on World Youth Skill Day and expressed happiness over the enthusiasm shown by the youth. He urged everyone to visit the exhibition and witness the talent and creativity displayed by students and entrepreneurs. Appreciating the work of Goa’s ITIs, especially their innovations in electric vehicles, he said Goans can excel in any field when equipped with the right skills. “Skilling, Reskilling and Upskilling must become a continuous process to prepare our youth for the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant said the National Education Policy and the education reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strengthened vocational learning across the country. He urged the Education Department to place greater emphasis on business training, entrepreneurship and employability. Referring to the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, he said Goa must increase its exports by developing a highly skilled workforce. Highlighting the State Government’s initiatives, he said zero ITI fees for girls and Goa becoming the only State in the country with 100 per cent ISO-certified ITIs reflect its commitment to quality technical education. Stressing the need for safer roads, he called for collective efforts to achieve the goal of zero road accidents and congratulated all the delegates felicitated during the programme.

As part of the celebrations, five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to further strengthen Goa’s ecosystem for vocational education and training. These included an agreement between the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services and Government ITI, Mapusa for the Dual System of Training (DST); the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services and Government ITI, Cacora for On-the-Job Training (OJT); S.S. Dempo College (Autonomous), Cujira and the Directorate of Planning, Statistics & Evaluation; and ITS with the Government of Goa. These collaborations are expected to enhance industry linkages, expand practical learning opportunities and improve employability for the youth.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Retired Justice Abhay Sapre, Chairman of the Supreme Court Road Safety Committee; Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary, Skill Development; Vinayak Kambli, Director, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; the Principal of S.S. Dempo College (Autonomous); representatives of government departments, ITIs, educational institutions, industry, entrepreneurs, students and other distinguished guests.