Declaration adopted to transform higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean

Close to 20 Ministers and senior officials responsible for higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean adopted a declaration in Montevideo, Uruguay, today, vowing to strengthen efforts to enhance regional cooperation and transform higher education in the region.

"This outcome is a major step towards building stronger dialogue and cooperation, and ultimately, a more integrated and equitable higher education landscape in the region. UNESCO IESALC is committed to supporting countries and the region as a whole to enhance their higher education systems", explained Francesc Pedró, Director at UNESCO IESALC.

The declaration affirms that higher education is a human right and a public good and recognizes its role as a driving force for sustainable development, social justice and global citizenship.

"Ensuring quality and inclusive higher education is a priority for Uruguay. By committing to these shared goals, we can foster innovation, inclusivity, and excellence across the region," declared Gonzalo Baroni, National Director of Education of Uruguay.

Among the key commitments, Ministers and senior officials pledged to improve access to higher education as well as to improve the affordability of higher education. Other major areas include, among others, efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education; invest in research and innovation; promote digital transformation, including through the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), support the greening of higher education; and promote good governance for higher education institutions.

The declaration was adopted at the first meeting of Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by UNESCO IESALC and organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Uruguay. It builds on the roadmap of the 2022 UNESCO World Higher Education Conference, the declaration of the 2018 Third Regional Conference on Higher Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (CRES) and its five-year follow-up meeting (CRES 5+).