UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education (UNESCO IESALC) and Uruguay Sign Agreement to Promote the Transformation of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean

UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, and Uruguay's Minister of Education and Culture, Pablo Da Silveira, have signed a biennial agreement to develop a joint work programme on higher education, led by the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC).

The programme, which will be developed in Montevideo, aims to drive significant changes in higher education policymaking in UNESCO Member States, both at governmental and institutional levels. It aligns with the recommendations outlined in UNESCO's Roadmap for the Transformation of Higher Education, presented in 2022, and focuses on three key areas: policy dialogue, capacity building, and knowledge production.

The programme will contribute to the formulation of public policies that promote inclusive, equitable, and quality higher education, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, stated: "This partnership with Uruguay marks a crucial step in our mission to reshape higher education, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of our societies and economies."

Uruguay's Minister of Education, Pablo Da Silveira, emphasized that: "By hosting this programme, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence and positions itself as a regional leader in driving innovation in higher education policies. This project represents not only a significant advance for our country but also for the region. International cooperation in higher education is key to sustainable development and improving opportunities for our youth. Uruguay assumes a leadership role in this field, positioning itself as a key international player that provides cooperation to the States of the region, thereby strengthening its strategic alliance with UNESCO."

Francesc Pedró, Director of UNESCO IESALC, added from Caracas, the Institute's location: "This initiative will serve as a catalyst for transformative change in higher education throughout the region and beyond, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and developing innovative solutions to common challenges."

Gonzalo Baroni, National Director of Education of Uruguay, highlighted the potential impact of the programme: "This collaboration between UNESCO and Uruguay will not only improve our national higher education system but also create a ripple effect of positive change across Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to promoting academic mobility and strengthening diploma recognition, it will consolidate Uruguay as a central player in the creation of inclusive and quality education policies."

The signing ceremony, which took place at UNESCO's Headquarters in Paris, was also attended by Ernesto Fernández Polcuch, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Montevideo, highlighting the broad support and collaboration behind this initiative.