Ibero-America agrees on a new roadmap to recognise degrees in higher education and boost universities' digital transformation

The Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, chairs the III Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education, at the Valencia Exhibition Centre

The Ministers and High Authorities of Higher Education of Ibero-America have reaffirmed their commitment to higher education as a public good and a universal human right by approving a joint declaration that seeks to advance in the recognition of university studies and degrees. The declaration also encourages academic mobility - both physical and virtual - and the circulation of talent among students and professors.

In the framework of the III Ministerial Meeting of Higher Education Ministers, the highest Ibero-American authorities in the field have agreed on a roadmap which, among other measures, includes updating the Agreement on the Recognition of Periods of Study and Higher Education Degrees in the region, making progress on the Ibero-American Quality Assurance System (SIACES) (SIACES) and implementing a unified model of the Ibero-American Higher Education Diploma Supplement to facilitate the recognition of degrees and foster academic mobility among the 22 countries.

This unified model of the Ibero-American Higher Education Diploma Supplement will be developed on the basis of the results of the pilot experience developed in collaboration with the Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA) and existing initiatives in Ibero-American countries, which will facilitate the recognition of diplomas and the academic and professional mobility of graduates in Ibero-America and internationally.

To promote academic mobility, the Ministries of Higher Education also highlighted the importance of launching the Framework Agreement for the Promotion of the Circulation of Talent in the Ibero-American Space. The consolidation of the Ibero-American Mobility and Virtual Academic Exchange Programme (PIMIVA) was also highlighted, which will allow greater integration of students and teachers in institutions in the region through the virtual modality.

During the meeting, it was also agreed to set up the Ibero-American Higher Education Information Network, and to continue promoting the Ibero-American Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Higher Education (EITDES). This effort aims to bridge technology gaps and prepare teaching staff and students with the digital skills needed to meet today's challenges. Likewise, the strengthening of the training offer in Spanish and Portuguese as global languages will be promoted, highlighting their role in education and scientific and cultural production.

At the opening of the ministerial meeting, the Ibero-American Secretary General, Andrés Allamand, recalled that this meeting is an example of the commitment of the Ibero-American Community to the Sustainable Development Goal 4: "Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all".

For her part, the Spanish Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, pointed out that the roadmap approved "confirms the firm will of all the countries that are here today to promote mechanisms that speed up and facilitate Spain's ability to better welcome citizens from the signatory countries who wish to work in our country, as well as Spaniards who wish to work in the Ibero-American area".

Likewise, César Augusto Vásquez Moncayo, Ecuador's Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, stated: "We recognise science, technology and innovation as indispensable pillars for the advancement of our societies; therefore, today more than ever, we are aware that our challenges require a collective response based on collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and the consolidation of a common space".

The results of this III Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education - which is part of the preparatory meetings for the XXIX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government - will be incorporated into the summit, which will take place in Ecuador next November under the theme "Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability".

Non official translation