A/71/358 provisions in the Convention on Technical and Vocational Education (1989), according to which technical and vocational education and training consists of “all forms and levels of the educational process involving, in addition to general knowledge, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, know-how, attitudes and understanding relating to occupations in the various sectors of economic and social life” (art. 1 (a)). A. Technical and vocational education and training and the linkage between the right to education and the right to work 67. Technical and vocational education and training cuts across formal or schoolbased, non-formal or enterprise-based, and informal or traditional apprenticeship. It has a nexus with the right to education and the right to work and is valuable in providing “retraining for adults whose current knowledge and skills have become obsolete owing to technological, economic, employment, social or other changes ”. 32 Such education and training can enable vocational trainees to acquire further professional competence and improve their skills and competencies. Numerous initiatives taken in all regions of the world to introduce reforms in technical and vocational education and training systems are propelled by a variety of skill requirements in the rapidly changing economies of the twenty -first century and involve lifelong learning. In India, inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, of a “skilled India”, efforts are being made to align the “demands of the employers for a well-trained skilled workforce with aspirations of Indian citizens for sustainable livelihoods”. With the launch of the national skill development mission (kaushal vikas yogna), a national skill development and entrepreneurship policy was adopted in 2015 for that purpose. 33 68. The Moscow Declaration adopted at the meeting of the Ministers of Education of Brazil, China, India, the Russian Federation and South Africa on 18 November 2015 expresses the commitment of those countries in the field of technical and vocational education and training to “promote lifelong learning and encourage selfeducation through both formal and informal modes, and strive towards a state of excellence”. 69. Technical and vocational education and training is instrumental in work -based learning and continuing professional development, which are necessary in confronting the challenges of unemployment and underemployment, both in developed and developing countries. Ensuring such education and training that is adequate and relevant is central to responding to the diverse aspirations and needs of individuals and societies in a rapidly globalizing world. __________________ 32 33 16/26 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 13, para. 16. India, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 (New Delhi, 2015). Available from www.skilldevelopment.gov.in/National-Policy-2015.html. 16-14910