Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, participated in a virtual webinar today on “Employment Opportunities for Youth in International Organisations,” organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the United Nations India, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the University Grants Commission.
The webinar drew over 1,100 students from 42 leading institutions in Delhi/NCR, specialising in law, business, management, and related fields. The event was also live-streamed nationwide, extending its reach to a broader audience of aspiring youth.
During his address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that India’s youth are the country’s greatest asset. He highlighted the recognition of Indian professionals globally, contributing significantly to the international workforce. He encouraged participants to explore internships and volunteer opportunities with international organisations, stressing that such experiences broaden perspectives, enhance skills, and prepare youth for diverse career challenges.
Dr. Mandaviya also promoted the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, which connects over 37 lakh registered establishments with skilled individuals. He described the portal as an invaluable resource for youth looking for both national and international career opportunities.
Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, reiterated that young people are the driving force behind economic growth, technological advancements, and social change.
Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour and Employment, highlighted the country’s unprecedented demographic dividend and shared the Ministry’s plans to host more webinars, ensuring greater outreach to youth both within India and abroad.
The webinar featured insightful addresses from prominent figures such as Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, and Ms. Michiko Miyamoto, Director of the ILO Country Office for India. They discussed the growing presence of 26 UN agencies in India, employing over 4,000 individuals.
Experts from the UN and ILO elaborated on the skills and qualifications needed for job opportunities in international organisations, including internships, volunteer programs, consultancies, and young professionals’ programs. They also provided guidance on navigating the UN Jobs Portal, detailing the application processes and competencies required.
A key highlight of the webinar was the panel discussion with senior Indian experts working with the ILO at its Geneva Headquarters. Ms. Sukti Das Gupta, Director, and Mr. Srinivas B. Reddy, Chief of Skills & Employability, shared their experiences and offered valuable advice to students. The panellists addressed various student queries in an interactive session.
The webinar successfully equipped students with essential knowledge about global career opportunities, marking an important step towards achieving their aspirations in international organisations.
