Himachal to Expand UNESCO-Backed HP FUTURES Programme Across Schools
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Shimla, June 6: The Himachal Pradesh Government has expressed its commitment to strengthening and expanding its partnership with UNESCO following the successful completion of one year of the HP FUTURES (Foundation for Upskilling, Teacher Excellence, Understanding, Readiness, Equity and Sustainability) programme.
A review meeting held in Shimla assessed the achievements of the initiative, which focuses on competency-based education, value education through sports, and green education in schools. A report highlighting the programme’s first-year accomplishments was also released during the event.
Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar said the programme is helping make education more holistic, relevant and future-ready by integrating 21st-century skills, environmental awareness and value-based learning. He emphasized that the state government intends to continue and strengthen its long-term collaboration with UNESCO while incorporating these innovations into classroom teaching and daily school activities.
Samagra Shiksha Director Rajesh Sharma said the programme has successfully adapted global educational best practices to local needs. He announced that after its implementation in PM SHRI schools, a roadmap will now be prepared to extend the model to nearly 14,000 schools across Himachal Pradesh, enabling a larger number of students to benefit.
Director of School Education Ashish Kohli noted that the initiative has promoted application-based learning, teacher capacity building and competency-driven education, with encouraging results already visible in participating schools.
UNESCO South Asia Education Chief Joyce Poan described HP FUTURES as an example of translating global educational ideas into meaningful action at the grassroots level. She said the programme has demonstrated how collaboration between governments, educators and stakeholders can drive positive educational transformation.
The UNESCO team also visited Portmore School in Shimla to observe the programme’s implementation at the ground level.
