Fostering global competencies among students for strategic enhancement of higher education in India

In twenty-first century, higher education is a significant contributor to the country‘s ability to compete in the global market. The key factors influencing the standard of education are curriculum, faculty, technological infrastructure, research environment, accreditation and good governance. Today‘s students live in an interconnected, diverse and dynamic world. Various emerging forces like economic, digital, cultural, demographic and environmental forces are shaping young people‘s lives and also increasing their intellectual ability. Young people today must not only learn to participate during a more interconnected world but also appreciate and luxuriate in from cultural differences. Globalisation has brought about unprecedented changes in the way countries, industries, organizations and people do business due to which employees today, represent increasingly diverse demographic backgrounds. The world which is driven by technology has become more transparent and dynamic. Thus, managing the complexities, contradictions and conflicts related to globalization has made global competence a 21st century imperative. This paper seeks to identify and conceptualize the set of skills and competencies required for students to succeed as active and engaged citizens in the 21st century. It also helps to give insights about need of global competence and role of schools to promote global competence. This paper also discusses about whether there is a need to assess global competence.