Tom Jose IAS Advocates for Transformative Education at The Summit of Future 2025

New Delhi, March 19, 2025 – 10:32 AM IST – At The Summit of Future 2025, Tom Jose IAS, former Chief Secretary of Kerala, delivered a compelling message on the transformative power of education, urging a global shift toward fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Speaking at the high-profile event, Jose emphasized, “The objective function of education should be the removal of ignorance and the development of a scientific and enquiring mind.” This statement has resonated widely, underscoring the need for education to go beyond rote learning and inspire meaningful inquiry.

The Summit of Future, hosted by the United Nations, serves as a platform to address pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, digital cooperation, and education reform. The 2024 summit in New York adopted the Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement committing nations to innovative solutions for a sustainable and equitable world. Jose’s remarks align with this vision, advocating for an education system that prepares individuals to question the world, challenge conventional ideas, and seek knowledge beyond textbooks.

The Role of Global Education Initiatives

Global education initiatives play a pivotal role in realizing this vision. Organizations like UNESCO are driving Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), empowering people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. UNESCO’s efforts, as highlighted in recent reports, encourage countries to integrate ESD into national curricula, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for a sustainable future. Similarly, the United Nations’ Transforming Education Summit, convened during the 77th General Assembly, has mobilized action to recover pandemic-related learning losses and reimagine education to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Other initiatives, such as those promoted by Vikas Concept School and Kesler Science, emphasize inquiry-based and student-centered learning strategies. These approaches, as noted in educational resources, foster curiosity, creativity, and resilience—key attributes Jose advocates for in his address. The UN’s focus on transforming education systems also underscores the importance of equipping students with the ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to rapidly changing global environments.

Why This Matters

Jose’s powerful statement highlights a critical truth: education is not merely about imparting information but about cultivating a mindset that drives progress. In an increasingly complex world, his call for a “scientific and enquiring mind” resonates with global efforts to prepare future generations for challenges like climate change, technological disruption, and social inequality. As The Summit of Future 2025 continues, Jose’s vision serves as a rallying cry for educators, policymakers, and leaders to prioritize innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking education systems worldwide.