Jonna Kangas, an associate professor at the University of Helsinki in Finland, called for the development of cross-cutting competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration and responsible analysis of information among young students, which will prepare them for work and for democratic participation and lifelong adaptability, which will help them become responsible members of society.
On Monday (February 16, 2026) in Thiruvananthapuram, Prof. Kangas on “Transformation of Education and Skills” at the “Vision 2031” International Conference on Development and Democracy.
These cross-cutting competencies were not just information to remember or knowledge, but also tools for mutual interaction, how to treat and care for the environment and how to plan for the future, said Prof. Kangas.
The development and transfer of competences began with teachers, said prof. Kangas. Teachers modeled how students think, collaborate, ask questions, solve problems and use digital tools responsibly, she recalled. When teachers develop cross-cutting competencies, practice reflective thinking, engage in collaboration, exercise professional judgment and embrace lifelong learning, they become part of a school’s culture of learning, she emphasized.
Challenges
AK Shiva Kumar, former director of the International Center for Human Development, UNICEF, has warned that Kerala’s school education system, once a global example of literacy, gender parity and universal enrolment, is now facing new challenges as the state faces rising youth unemployment and a rapidly changing labor market. Dr. Kumar said the state’s first education transition, which emphasized access and inclusion, had yielded extraordinary social and economic gains. Investments in universal education, women’s empowerment and child health have created a virtuous cycle of learning, productivity and social progress. However, the system was designed for the world of stable occupations and linear career paths of the 20th century. “Artificial intelligence, automation and platform-based economies are changing the nature of work today. This has made many routine cognitive and manual tasks vulnerable, while increasing the importance of creativity, judgment and adaptability,” he said.
He pointed out that Kerala’s challenge is no longer just about inclusion but also about quality and relevance. He highlighted the harsh realities of the labor market, saying that almost 30% of young people aged 15 to 29 were unemployed (according to official statistics in 2023-24), compared to a national average of 10%. The unemployment rate for young women was 47%, compared to 19% for men. The national averages in these parameters were 11%, respectively. 9%.
The mismatch reflected a deeper systemic problem of schools producing qualifications that were no longer aligned with the developing economy. In such circumstances, he called for reforms that moved education beyond rote learning and focused on skills such as critical thinking, ethical judgment, and career adaptability. He said schools should prepare students for non-linear careers in sectors including digital services, green jobs, healthcare and tourism.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu; Sonajharia Minz, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Rajan Gurukkal, Vice Chairman, Kerala State Higher Education Council; Gopinath Ravindran, Former Vice-Chancellor, Kannur University; and C. Ramakrishnan, coordinator of the state government’s Vidyakiranam project; he spoke.
Published – 16 Feb 2026 21:02 IST